So the intense heat of the summer will be here before we know it. What you should know is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your home cool this summer. There are many ways to stay cool and yet cut your cooling bill nearly in half. All it takes is a few changes to your HVAC system and to your daily routine and you should be set.
IDEA NO. 1 – Install a programmable thermostat. Doing this will allow you to preset different temperatures for different times of the day. Set the AC to be off while you are gone and program it to kick on just before you get home. Your home will stay cool for you while you’re there and save you money by not running all the time. A programmable thermostat only costs about $30-$50 and should cut nearly 20% off your cooling bill.
IDEA NO. 2 – Take advantage of the natural cool times of the day. Usually in the early mornings and late evenings the temperature will drop. As soon as the tempertature drops at night, open the windows and use a window fan to bring the cool air into the house. As soon as the temperature starts to rise in the morning, shut the windows and shades and keep the doors closed. This should trap the cool temperatures inside.
IDEA NO. 3 – Install sunlocking shades or curtains. As much as 20% of summer heat enters your home from sunlight entering through windows. It’s the greenhouse effect. To prevent this “solar gain,” put up shades, blinds or darkening curtains. If you do, it should cut 20% off your cooling bill.
IDEA NO. 4 – Cook outdoors. Any appliance that generates heat, adds to your cooling bill. An oven, when baking, can raise the room temperature 10 degrees. If you can, invest in a great outdoor cooking unit where you can do most of your cooking during the summer. And any baking or anything that requires an oven, save for cooler hours of the day. It will cut 2 to 5% off your cooling bill.
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