Keep You Cool
4 Tips to Keep Comfy When the Temps Hit 100+…
News flash! It gets hot in the North State in the summer. And it seems as if each year the temperatures continue to rise, and the “It’s-Just-Too-Hot-To-Think” season gets longer.
Many of us are fortunate to own air conditioning systems, but utility prices remain high, so keeping the unit on really hits hard when the monthly statement arrives. And for the rest of us without AC, it’s just brutal during the tar-melting months.
These days, fancy high-tech fans, AC units and dehumidifiers come in handy. But here are four home remedies to cool your home without breaking the bank on your energy bill.
Make a MacGyver AC Unit with a Fan and Ice
Cooling a room with a fan is effective but not when it’s just pushing hot air around. Kick it up a notch by placing a block of ice, a large bowl of ice cubes or a few frozen water bottles in front of the fan. The air will circulate through the ice, and as it does, it will pick up the cold temperature of the ice. The evaporating water from the melted ice will help add humidity to the air, which can also help to cool things down.
If Possible, Run Ceiling Fans Counterclockwise
Yes, it matters which way the wind blows. Ceiling fans should run counterclockwise in the summer to create a downdraft that pushes air down and creates a cooling breeze. This can help keep a room’s temperature consistent throughout the day and reduce the need for air conditioning.
The U.S. Department of Energy says that this draft allows you to raise the thermostat about 4 degrees without reducing comfort. That is instant savings! For even more efficiency, pair this tip with open upper windows. You can actually pull the hot air out of your home.
Do Not Use Your Oven, Stove or Dryer
It’s hot enough! Don’t make it worse by adding even more heat into your home. The major producers of heat are ovens, stovetops and tumble dryers. These appliances can drastically increase your home’s internal temperature and make your cooling appliances such as fans or AC work harder – costing you more money in the long run. Eat a sandwich or a salad. And, if possible, hang-dry your laundry.
Keep Shades and Curtains Closed
Your window treatments are for more than looking stylish. They’ll also help keep your home cool. Window shades lower energy costs and reduce the UV rays which cause heat transfer entering your home. Blackout curtains keep heat out as well as the blaring sun. Keep blinds and curtains closed during the peak hot hours. It might make it more difficult to read a book, but you’ll appreciate the cooler air.•
