Yes, I know it is spring, but despite that, we are going through a little heat wave here in Pennsylvania with temperatures in the 80s and 90s. So while the heat was pumping through the house last week and the plastic is still covering some of the windows, we’ve had to scramble a bit to keep things cool.
If you want to cut your cooling costs, there is no way around it other than to cut the heat, or at least the heat that you feel. The secret to spending less is to make yourself comfortable with less energy. Here are my basic tips to help you save money on cooling costs.
Lets start with some ways to keep the heat outside and not inside. Most of your heat will come in through the windows, so if you don’t have energy efficient windows that block heat from entering, make sure that your windows are covered during the day with shades or curtains. You’ll cut at least 40 percent of your heat this way, more depending on your home.
Another way to cut down on heat entering is to keep doors and windows closed on days where there is no breeze. of course, this will depend on your home and how it is arranged as to whether closing windows makes for a cool retreat or a stuffy house. In our home, I open the windows upstairs to allow for air circulation, but keep the windows closed downstairs during the heat of the day.
Now, to cool your home you can of course use air conditioning. But, if you want to reduce your cooling costs, use a fan instead. regular window fans (with the windows open of course) may just be enough to cool you as you sleep. Just feeling the breeze on your skin can make you more comfortable, even if the indoor temperature remains the same. Studies have shown that an indoor ceiling fan can keep you just as comfortable at 82 degrees as you might be without one at 72 degrees.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.
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