Entry #591, July 18, 2011
We are midway through the summer and the heat is unbearable! Depending on where you live, the heat may be approaching the worst of the summer, or you may have hotter days yet to come. Along with rising temperatures are rising energy bills to try and cool your home.
Last summer, I featured this article on how to save energy in the summer months, and I figured its time to repost it, after all… who doesn’t want to save money during the hottest time of the year?
Original Entry #211, July 13, 2010
With record breaking heat in some areas of the United States, and just being darn hot everywhere – how can you even think about saving energy in your home? Low Impact Living has 8 Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money this Summer.
1. Keep your home at an eco-conscious temperature. 78 degrees is plenty cool in the house. Turn down the AC and get a programmable thermostat so you’re only cooling the house when you really need to.
2. Work with the sun to keep your house cool. Close all shutters and blinds during the day to keep the sun out– then open windows at night to cool the house and feel the breeze (if you have any!).
3. Let the air dry your dishes and clothes. The dryer and dish washer use a lot of energy– and the air does the drying job just as well. Plus your clothes will last longer. See some great clothes-drying racks here.
4. Take shorter showers and do not take baths. Hot water heating is one of the major uses of energy in any home. Showers are the way to go– and keep ’em short. Baths use much more water and heat than do baths (unless you’re taking 30 minute showers!).
You can also look into solar hot water.
5. Ditch the beer fridge. It’s amazing how many homes have two refrigerators. Please do not use more than one fridge. And if you have an old model, get a newer Energy Star model.
6. Use ceiling fans rather than A/C. They are much more energy/-efficient and you can get very reasonably priced Energy Star models.
7. Get solar screens for your windows. These screens cut 75% of the heat coming through your windows, but don’t impact your visibility. They are really great energy savers. See solar screens here.
8. Spend one night each week in candlelight. It’s romantic, fun and inspires new conversation. If you’ve got kids, how about turning off the TV one night and playing a board game by candlelight? Clue would be particularly spooky!
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Jo-Anne says
Good tips, although we aren’t ready to give up our second fridge! Simple things like closing shades and shutters worked for our ancestors, yet it is no longer part of our mindset.
Another idea to is to install a solar powered attic fan. They are not expensive, easy to install and automatically vent the hot air from the attic (and no, we don’t sell them so this isn’t a self-promotion comment).
Ronique says
Thank you JoAnne, I have to agree with you about the fridge.. its our salvation in the garage! 🙂