When heat and humidity strike in the summer, it can be tempting to crank the A/C and hibernate. But there are easy ways to keep cool while using less energy (even if you keep the air conditioning on). Try these simple money- (and planet-) saving strategies to help keep your family cool this summer.
Meal plan for summer
Keep the kitchen cool by minimizing stove and oven use, especially during heat waves. Try no-cook meals like summer salads or use the BBQ instead. Stay hydrated so your body does its natural cooling thing (sweating!) efficiently! There are also certain foods that help you feel cooler (especially foods that are high in water content like watermelon and cucumber) and some that make you feel warmer (ironically enough, one of them is ice cream, though I’m still going to use it as an excuse to cool down!).
Program Your Thermostat
We are often conditioned to prefer indoor temperatures that are much colder than they need to be. If you need a sweater in your house or you feel noticeably chilled when you come in from the heat, try raising the thermostat a few degrees. Air conditioning removes humidity from the air which makes you feel cooler without necessarily dropping the temperature. Set your thermostat higher when you’re out of the house (26-28°C or 79-81°F is a good range). When you are home, don't automatically drop the temperature below 26°C (79°F). Try dropping it half a degree at a time if you’re too warm.
Use your windows
Just as they are the biggest source of heat loss in the winter, windows can be a significant source of heat gain in the summer. Help keep your home cooler by keeping curtains and blinds closed during the day – especially on south and west-facing windows. As the sun sets, check the temperature outside. If the temperature and humidity has dropped (and you don’t have allergies, asthma, or a light sleeper to contend with), turn off the air conditioning and open the windows to cool down overnight. Just be sure to close them again before it heats up the next morning.
Ceiling fans
While they might not be an interior decorator’s dream, ceiling fans are a low-energy way to keep you feeling cooler. Combining ceiling fans with air conditioning can help you set your thermostat a couple degrees warmer, while still feeling cool. Without air conditioning, they can make the summer heat a little more comfortable. They’re especially great for bedrooms!
By using some passive strategies to keep your house cool, you’ll help reduce your energy bill without sacrificing comfort. To save even more money, check whether your utility has time of use billing and shift things like laundry and the dishwasher to off-peak times. Get the kids involved too, so they understand that small changes can help them feel more comfortable. It’ll only take a few days of conscious effort to make these simple changes, but once you’re in the routine you’ll be saving energy without having to think about it!
