Stay Cool And Save Energy: Cool Down Your House During Summer

Summer is the season of fun; summer vacation and fun in the sun are only parts of the lively season. But unfortunately it is also the season of unbearable heat, how do you cool down your house in such hot weather? And most importantly how can you cool down your house without paying an astronomical electricity bill? Can you cool down your house and save energy at the same time?

The most obvious answer to cooling down your house is AC of course, but did you know that by raising the temperature one degree in the thermostat you can save 7 to 10% from your cooling costs?

And did you also know that the most popular cause for power shortage during summer is overworking air conditions?

So, save yourself the huge cooling cost, stay cool and save energy by following these simple tips. These tips will help you cool down your house while you save on your energy bill and help save the planet.

Keep the windows closed and covered during the day

If your home has a lot of windows that allow natural light in, that may be amazing during the cooler months. However, during the summer heat, it is a very good idea to block the heat by closing the windows and the curtains.

Up to 30% of unwanted heat comes from your windows, and utilizing shades and curtains can save you up to 7% on your cooling cost.

And if you happen to have exterior shutters it is a good idea to keep them closed during the day time as well.

Also a great idea is installing heat reflecting film on the windows. This will keep your house cooler and also reduce glare and ultraviolet rays that damage furniture and floors. You can save energy and save your valuable furniture at the same time.

Beware of heat generating appliances

Using your oven will certainly increase the temperature of your home, especially if you have an open-plan living space, the hot air from kitchen appliances may very well overheat the entire area. So try your best to refrain from cooking anything in the oven on the hottest days of summer.

And if you can also refrain from using the dryer and dry clothes on an outdoor clothesline instead, you will save yourself the generated heat and the planet will thank you for saving all this energy.

If you find that you simply cannot limit using your appliances in hotter days, or there are too many hot days in the summer, use spot ventilation. The laundry room fan or hood fan can help cool off the area and take some pressure off your Ac.

Beware of all appliances

Electrical appliances emit heat, much more than you think!

It is a very good idea to switch off any appliance or electric device you are not using, and even try to unplug the device as well, especially TVs and computers as they generate the most amount of heat.

Even if an appliance is on standby it can still emit heat, that is why you want to unplug everything you can, including small electronics like phone chargers.

LED lights are your friend

Energy saving lights are very good energy savers. Not only do they save energy on lighting, they also emit less heat, and that makes them a brilliant addition to your house, especially during summer.

However, it is still very helpful to turn off the lights when you do not need them, they still generate heat, just less than Incandescent light bulbs.

Run the AC less

This may be obvious, but most people forget to follow this very simple tip. Save energy by turning off the AC when you do not need it!

Turn the AC off before you leave for work and turn it back on when you come home.

If you have centralized AC at least raise the temperature when you are not going to be home to save energy. Remember, you save 7 to 10% percent of your energy consumption per degree.

Regular maintenance to your air conditioning system also help tremendously with limiting energy consumption.

Consider investing in a smart thermostat

A smart thermostat can save 5 to 15% of your annual cooling cost.

This thermostat allows you to turn your AC on and off using a smart device when you are not in the house.

Most new air conditions have that option built in, but if yours does not have it then consider investing in one. Investing in smart devices is always a smart choice.

Shut the doors of unused rooms

Close off all spaces that are not currently being used so your AC does not have to work overtime. This is a simple thing to do, yet it yields great results.

Also close the bathroom’s door and the kitchen’s door to lower the humidity level in the house.

Choose natural materials

Avoid synthetic materials, in bedding, furnishings and curtains. Synthetic fabrics stop air flow in the house. Plus, they do not allow skin to breathe and that makes a person feel overheated, so it makes people more inclined to lower the temperature of the AC.

Natural fabrics on the other hand allow air to circulate in the room, and make people feel more comfortable and less overheated.

Plant a cooling canopy

This may be more of a long term plan, but it is a huge upgrade to your house. plant a leafy green canopy outside your large windows or glass walls.

It is an effective and eco-friendly way to cool down your home, plus, it adds a very nice view through your windows. Taking care of your home garden creates shade outside and in.