Just because the temperatures outside are rising doesn’t mean that your energy bills have to rise at the same time. When the summer heat hits, it can be tough to stay comfortable without relying heavily on your air conditioning system.
Turning your thermostat down isn’t your only option to help you save a bit of money. Although a programmable thermostat that lets you control when your air conditioning needs to be on can help you save some cash, there are other things that you can do to beat the heat.
From smart clothing choices to patio covers that help block the direct sunlight coming into your home, keeping cool can be easy with these innovative ideas.
Clothing Choice
Although you may be tempted to forego clothing altogether when the temperatures rise, the neighbors might not like it. Try wearing loose fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Heavy blends or synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon don’t allow your skin to breathe and can leave you feeling too warm.
Ice Fan
If your air conditioner just isn’t cutting the heat you can try an ice fan. Take a regular table fan or box fan and fill a bowl with ice to be placed behind it. The fan will help direct the ice cold air from the bowl right where you need it.
Drapes & Shades
If you can block out some of the direct sunlight that comes into your home in the summer, you can eliminate some of the greenhouse effect that is common during this time of year. If you have south-facing windows or doors, make sure that you keep the shades or drapes drawn during the hottest parts of the day. Keeping the sun’s harshest rays at bay can help keep your interiors from heating up.
Limit Appliance Usage
Just cooking a meal in your kitchen can increase your home’s temperature by a few degrees. Try out some great barbeque recipes instead on your outdoor grill and keep the heat outside where it belongs. Do your laundry and run your dishwasher later in the evening when the temperatures have already started to drop. Running your dryer during the hottest part of the afternoon can leave you sweating and uncomfortable.
Damp Curtain
If you have a good breeze coming in any of your windows or doorways, you can try using a damp curtain to cool the interior of your home. Soak a cotton sheet or drape in cool water and hang it in the window or door opening. The breeze that is coming through will have to pass through the damp curtain, carrying a cooling sensation throughout your house.
Create A Cross Breeze
If you have doors or windows at either end of your home, try opening them at the same time to create a soothing cross breeze. Air that is moving and circulating is much more comfortable than when it’s stagnant. Even if the air outside is warm, a moving breeze will help move it around allowing the moisture on your skin to dry and be more comfortable.
