The summer heat leads almost everyone to reach for the thermostat to cool down their homes. However, experts indicate that every degree you lower your thermostat to keep your house cool can increase your energy costs by three percent. There are other options, however, to keeping your house cool without adjusting the temperature, even on the hottest days of summer.
The first tip is to close blinds and curtains, especially on north and west-facing windows. If possible, invest in block-out curtains to shield the interior of your home from the harshest summer sun.
Shade windows and walls using awnings or large umbrellas. Placing a large umbrella above a French or sliding glass door can keep more of the heat from entering your home through the glass. Plants and deciduous trees provide shade as well, so consider placing larger potted plants by glass doors or tall windows.
Set your thermostat between 75 and 80 degrees in the summer. Increasing your thermostat by just one degree in warm weather can reduce the wear and tear on your air conditioning unit by 10 percent. If you need to replace an air conditioner, choose one with a high energy star rating.
Set ceiling fans to push air straight down in the summer to create a cooling effect. Turn the speed to high so that you feel the air moving which will cool your body as well. Consider closing doors to keep cooler air in a smaller space but remember that if you have an evaporative air conditioner, they will be more efficient if doors are open to increase airflow.
When the air cools down in the evening, open doors and windows to cool it down naturally. Instead of cooking dinner indoors, consider barbecuing outside to reduce the strain on your air conditioner as well.
Drink iced drinks or apply a damp cloth to your neck in order to naturally cool your body. Cold showers can also help cool you off. One clever hack is to place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan to create a cool mist rather than bump up the air conditioner.
Finally, choose cotton clothing that is loose and light colored. Breathable materials help you feel cooler. Consider investing in cotton bed sheets as well for a cooler night’s sleep.
These tips can help you avoid those excessive electric bills during the summer months and may be helpful should you lose air conditioning during hot days.
