Keeping your home cool is more than just turning on the air conditioner. It is about making adjustments to your home and way of thinking. Energy costs can eat up your budget during the summer months and leave you regretting the use of your air conditioner. Here are nine great ways to keep your home cool without raising your bills. Install awnings. An awning installed by professionals, such as Lehman Awning Co, in front of the windows in your home that the sun beats down on can keep the heat away.