These days, the summers are so brutal, it’s a wonder anyone makes it to the fall. The temperatures are often high and the humidity is through the roof forcing people to retreat indoors. This, however, results in higher energy bills. Wanting to be comfortable at home but also not wanting to go bankrupt in the next two months, there has to be a solution.
Fortunately, there are a few solutions you can try if you’re interested in keeping cool this summer without breaking the bank.
Using Ceiling Fans
Whether you have central air or window air conditioning units, you can go easy on the temperature control settings by using your ceiling fans. Ceiling fans, when switched to flow counterclockwise help to circulate cool air throughout the house. This keeps everyone cool and comfortable and reduces the energy bill.
Window Fans Work Too
Window fans are another affordable and easy option of staying cool. Place them in your window blowing outwards. This helps to push hot air out of the house. This is best used for households that don’t have air conditioning or those who have window units.
Efficient Air Conditioner
Believe it or not, you can get a small window unit air conditioner for just a few hundred bucks. You could use your credit card or do some research online to learn additional information on short-term personal loans. Once you have the money you can invest in an energy-efficient air conditioner that keeps utility costs low.
Ventilation Blinds, Shades, or Darkening Curtains
In the Springtime, it’s nice to let the sunlight in your home. It brightens things up and boosts your mood. Yet, the summertime sun is no joke. Keeping windows opened and exposed for sunlight to get in raises the temperatures in your house. You can easily remedy this problem with ventilation blinds, shades, or darkening curtains. They each allow you to control how much sunlight the house is exposed to.
Stock Up on Spring Water
You might frown upon the idea of having to increase your water intake but hydration is key to regulating your body temperature. When you don’t drink enough water, you can feel warmer internally which makes you uncomfortable. Having spring water on hand in the fridge or freezer gives you something cold and refreshing to drink that truly helps to cool you down as opposed to sugary drinks.
Weatherproof Your Home
If you live in an older home, it may not be efficient enough to keep the cool air in and the hot air out. There’s a simple trick to this called weatherproofing. Adding caulk or weather stripping to the cracks along the doors and baseboards and installing plastic on the windows help to seal your home up so that less air escapes.
Switch Lightbulbs
If you’re still using incandescent lightbulbs it’s time for a switch. These older bulbs give off extreme amounts of heat causing the temperatures to rise in the house. Switching to fluorescent or other eco-friendly lighting products that don’t emit heat can save you. They reduce your energy costs and don’t need to be replaced as often as other lightbulbs.
Get in the Pool
If you’re fortunate enough to have a pool in your backyard, it’s best that you use it. After putting sunscreen on, go outside and take a dip. It gives your home a break from being in use and cools you off right away. If you don’t have a pool, but like the idea, they do have inexpensive inflatable pools you can use.
The next few weeks of summer are traditionally some of the hottest. If you plan to get through July and August without melting or owing the energy company an arm and a leg, you need to find ways to keep cool.
