19 ways to slash the cost of staying cool in the summer

American summers are growing hotter, thanks to climate change and increased urbanization. Using an air conditioner to stay cool takes a big bite out of your household budgets. There's plenty you can do, though, to cut the cost of cooling a home. For example, sealing air leaks and adding insulation can together boost a home's heating and cooling efficiency by 15 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Here are 19 tips for lowering the cost of keeping cool:

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