Find creative cooling solutions

To control heat intake, and effectively, energy-consumption, consider covering windows that receive a lot of sun with semi-opaque polycarbonate sheets. Not only is it an affordable solution, the sheets minimize the sunlight that causes interior temperatures to rise quickly. Additionally, they add an element of privacy without blocking illumination. The warm glow that suffuses the room as a result is an added bonus. More at [Dwell](http://www.dwell.com/green/].