The days are getting longer, and your home is taking a direct hit from the sun's rays. Before long, it will be time to turn on the air conditioner.

You can save on cooling costs -- some say up to 25% -- by installing awnings.

About a dozen years ago, I purchased awnings for the west side of my house to block the afternoon summer sun. Without them, the interior of my home would get so hot in the afternoon that the air conditioning was constantly running while I was constantly sweating.

Awnings will shade windows and halt the greenhouse effect of the sun's rays through the panes of glass. Shading windows also will help keep carpets, draperies and upholstery from fading.

I hang my awnings around the first of May each year and take them down toward the end of October. In the winter months, the heat from the sun -- though not as intense -- helps warm the inside of my home and saves on my heating bill.

Taking the awnings down toward the end of the year also makes them last longer, generating even more savings over time.

JSOnline.com

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