Guest Blogger #916, Entry #2147, March 28, 2013
There are a lot of great things that come with the spring and summer seasons. Longer days to spend outside. Perfect weather conditions to go swimming or to walk along the beach. It’s also a time when it’s appropriate to eat as much ice cream as your body can handle. But sometimes, the heat can be close to unbearable, especially if you live in a warm climate, and trying to keep your house cool can mean hefty energy bills.
Image via: Tate Studio Architects
If you would like some natural tips on how to keep your home comfortable without relying on your air conditioner, we have some for you below:
Cover up.
This can mean a lot of things. For one, oftentimes people’s energy bills are high because their cold air is escaping through small holes in the home. So, make it a point to look for any kind of holes or cracks in your walls or doors. If you see some, cover them with caulking. Also, the more natural light that comes into your house, the warmer it will seem. There are thermal curtains and solar shades that are specifically designed to keep heat out. You can find them at Sears, Wal-Mart and Overstock, just to name a few.
Use less energy.
The more energy that you use, the warmer your house will feel. So, make it a point to opt for the microwave rather than your stove; to wash your dishes by hand rather than using the dishwasher; to wait until you have a full load before washing or drying your clothes and to take cooler showers over warm baths. Don’t forget to turn off the lights in a room before you leave it, as well as your electronic equipment at the end of the day. Also, try and make it a point to replace your incandescent lights with LED lights. They use about 60 percent less energy and that can definitely make a difference when it comes to the overall temperature in your home. Oh and one more thing: If you spoke with an air conditioning company such as WA Air Conditioning about ways to save money, they would probably tell you that using your ceiling fans more often would help. Just make sure that you set them to turn counterclockwise. That will help to keep the cool air circulating for cheaper than what it would cost to have the central air unit running all day (and night) long.
Image via: Margie Grace – Grace Design Associates
Install some awnings and plant some trees.
Although the suggestions that we already recommended address what you can do as it relates to the interior of your home, if the exterior is in the shade, then you will already feel a dramatic difference. So, don’t forget to also install some awnings over your windows and to also plant a few trees in front of the windows where you and your family spend the most time. These two tips will definitely play a significant role in cooling down your house and that can help to save you a few more dollars, each month, on your energy bill. That will make summertime (pardon the pun) even cooler.
For more energy efficient ideas on Stagetecture, click here.
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