Except when there's a total solar eclipse -- which doesn't happen often -- you can pretty much count on some sunshine most days. Depending on where you live and how you plan, you can use the sun to your advantage. In cold climates to save energy (both in summer and winter), consider solar landscaping. Carefully placed trees and shrubs control sunlight and block cold winds. They can reduce heating and cooling bills by as much as 30 percent. "Solar friendly" trees fill out in the spring to shade your home during summer, and drop leaves early in fall to let warming sun pass through in winter. In warm climates, strategic shading is the goal. Indoors -- anywhere -- opening and closing drapes can be a huge money-saver. In summer, closing drapes blocks daytime heat. In winter closing them stops heat loss at night, and opening them in the daytime results in a gain of free heat. Are your energy bills climbing? Remember, free energy-saving starts with Mother Nature's solar smarts. And that's the On The House tip for today.