Consider replacing your current bathroom and kitchen faucet aerators with low-flow...

In the days before mechanical air-conditioning, this was how people beat the heat, and it can work surprisingly well. Natural cooling is an element of passive solar design, and involves blocking heat transfer through shading, insulation, thoughtful landscaping, and window placement; removing heat with fans, vents, and cross-ventilation; and reducing the use of heat-generating lights and appliances. In dry climates, evaporative cooling systems-which distribute moist air to cool a room-are a good natural alternative to traditional air conditioners. Even taking a nap in the hottest part of the day can be a part of a natural cooling approach. Do you really need another excuse? Also called natural cooling.

Many homeowners know very little about their heating and cooling equipment-until something goes...