Are you struggling to keep your cool during the summer heat wave? If your home isn’t equipped with air conditioning, or if you’re looking for ways to lower your energy bills, there are still plenty of ways to stay comfortable. Here are 10 tips for beating the heat:
- Use your air conditioner wisely – During the hottest days of summer, it’s tempting to just crank up the AC and relax in cool, comfortable indoors. However, running your air conditioner all day long can quickly raise your energy bill. To stay comfortable without breaking the bank, set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home and 83 degrees when you’re away or sleeping. Every degree above 78 degrees will add about 8% to your energy bill, so setting your thermostat just a few degrees higher can make a big difference.
Also, don’t forget to schedule ac maintenance in St. George or wherever you are to ensure your ac is working efficiently.
- Use ceiling fans – Ceiling fans are a great way to circulate cool air without raising your energy bill. In fact, using a ceiling fan can actually make your air conditioner work less because it allows you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher.
- Use portable fans – Portable fans are another great way to circulate cool air without raising your energy bill. Place them in front of windows to help push cooler air into the room, or use them to direct the airflow from your air conditioner.
- Close the blinds and curtains – Closing the blinds and curtains will help keep the sun’s heat out of your home. This is especially important during the hottest hours of the day, typically between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Use window treatments – Window treatments can also help keep the sun’s heat out of your home. Heavy curtains, shades, and shutters will block more heat than lighter materials like sheer curtains.
- Insulate your home – Good insulation helps keep cool air in and hot air out. If your home is not well insulated, consider adding insulation to keep your home cooler in the summer.
- Seal air leaks – Air leaks can let hot air into your home, making it harder to keep cool. Check for air leaks around windows and doors and seal them with caulk or weather-stripping.
- Use exhaust fans – Exhaust fans help remove hot, stagnant air from your home. They are especially important in kitchens and bathrooms, where they can help prevent the build-up of heat and moisture. It’s a good idea to run your exhaust fans for 20 minutes after cooking or showering to remove the hot air from your home.
- Limit heat-generating activities -Cooking, laundry, and other heat-generating activities can add to the already hot temperatures in your home. Try to limit these activities to cooler times of the day, such as early morning or evening.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, which can actually lead to dehydration. This is especially important if you’ll be spending time outdoors in the heat.
By following these tips, you can beat the heat and stay comfortable in your home this summer.