Keep Cool This Summer
During these hot summer months, keeping your air conditioner on full blast can cause your electricity bills to skyrocket. But as the temperatures rise, it may be difficult to avoid keeping your AC on more often in order to avoid overheating.
Here are a few easy and eco-friendly ways you can keep your home cool this summer, while also helping you save on electricity costs.
Keep Indoor Plants
Believe it or not, plants can help keep your home cool! Plants consume water and sunlight to create their own food during photosynthesis, and this process allows plants to absorb heat.
During transpiration, plants release moisture into the air, which can help reduce the temperature in a room by as much as 10 degrees, according to the University of Vermont Extension.
Keep Your Windows Shaded
The sunlight that gets into your home can create a great deal of heat during the day. By keeping your windows shaded, you can prevent direct sunlight from entering and heating up your home.
Drapes can help reduce heat gain from windows by roughly 33%, and simply closing the blinds can lower your cooling bill by up to 15%.
Run Appliances at Night
Many indoor activities can generate heat in your home, especially during the day. By waiting until the evening to perform many household tasks, you can prevent excessive heat from spreading throughout your home, and even save on energy costs.
Things you should try:
- Avoid cooking on the stove or in the oven during the day. Instead, try making cold meals such as salads and sandwiches.
- Wash clothes in cold water, and hang them to dry.
- Shower at night to prevent your bathroom from filling up with warm, humid air.
- Run the dishwasher only when it’s full and preferably during the night.
Use Ceiling Fans
To help cut down on energy costs, try using ceiling fans to help cool your rooms. They require less energy to use, and can help make a room feel up to 7 degrees cooler as the warm air is distributed in your home.
Got any other eco-friendly ideas for keeping your home cool during the summer? Please feel free to share your ideas in the comment section below!