Where I live in Wisconsin, we've had some pretty hot
and humid days and it's not even officially summer yet. While my husband, Joe, barely notices when our house is getting hot, I know right away. I don't tolerate the heat as well as he does.
When I begin to get over-heated, it's nearly impossible for me to be positive or productive. So, while I love a good, fresh breeze from outside as much as Joe does, when it's a super hot and still day, I turn on the air conditioner.
That being said, I'm not a fan of our
air conditioner running every day, non-stop, nor am I happy with the high-costs that go along with doing so. This is why we do what we can to keep our home as cool as possible, and only have the air conditioner running when it's truly necessary.
Here are a bunch of budget-friendly ways that we keep
our home cool, and you can too.
1. Don't overwork the air conditioner: This time of the year, I program our thermostat to 75 degrees (which my family finds to be comfortable). This means the air conditioner does not run if the house temperature is cooler than that. In other words, the
air conditioner is not running every moment of every day...just when the house starts getting uncomfortably hot.
If anyone in my house happens to say, "it's cold in here," I raise it to 76 or 77. It should be comfortable enough for you to wear short sleeves. If you have to wear a sweatshirt inside
when you have the air conditioner on, adjust the temperature of your air conditioner to save energy and money.
FYI: If you have a large, long-haired dog, keep in mind that having your thermostat between 75 to 78 degrees (Fahrenheit) in the summer is ideal for keeping your
pet safe and comfortable. Also, be sure your pets always have cool water readily available so they can stay hydrated!
2. Let nature help: When you do have those cooler days, turn off the air conditioner, open your windows, and let the breeze flow through your home.
Cross-ventilation is key. Open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a pathway for air to move through. Close doors to unused rooms to concentrate the coolness where you need it
most.
3. Utilize fans: Fans are a lifesaver when it comes to staying cool without having to constantly run the air conditioner. Ceiling fans, tower fans, and even box fans can make a significant difference.
Make the most of them by placing them strategically in the rooms you use the most. To maximize their cooling effect, set your
ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise in the summer, pushing the air down.
4. Mind your curtains: Your choice of curtains can impact the temperature inside your home. Opt for light-colored, reflective curtains or blinds to deflect the sun's rays and keep your rooms cooler.
Additionally, draw the curtains or lower the blinds when the sun is streaming in directly to prevent your home from getting hotter than necessary.
5. Create Shade: Prevent the sun's heat from seeping into your home by creating natural shade outside. Planting trees strategically to filter the sun from hitting the windows directly, or installing shade sails, can reduce direct sunlight and keep your home cooler.
With these budget-friendly strategies, you can beat the heat without worrying about the impact on your wallet. Stay
cool this summer!
