If you were to do a query on people’s favorite season, you will soon come across a very interesting fact: while the vast majority prefers summer, when this season finally arrives everyone starts complaining about the high temperatures. Add the global warming and the solar explosions that are about to reach a peak and you can easily understand why summer is losing its popularity rather fast. In other words, even though the grass may seem greener on the other side in winter, most people realize that it is in fact sticky and wilted.
Fortunately, you are not forced to spend your entire summer staring at the huge energy bill or suffering from heat-related conditions. Let’s explore the top ten methods you can employ in order to stay cool during this torrid season.
1. Trade the AC for a fan
If you are worried about the hefty energy bill you will receive at the end of the month due to overusing the AC unit, then simply switch to a fan. Even though both cooling equipments use electricity, the air conditioning unit consumes almost 1000 kWh per month, whereas the fan will only require a tenth of what the AC “eats”. This approach ensures that you will be saving at least 100 dollars per month.
2. Open more windows
More often than not, you hear people complaining that they do not manage to beat the heat, despite the fact that they are sitting right next to an opened window. The reason for this is rather simple: one open window means a single entry point for the cool air room and hence, it is normal that you will not feel more than a slight breeze. The solution in this case is to create a wind-tunnel effect by opening up several windows in the room.
3. Acquire a programmable thermostat
In case you have to spend most of your day enduring the heat, then it is very likely that you want to come home to a cool atmosphere to relax. However, it is usually a bad idea to leave the AC unit on all day, especially if you do not have a programmable thermostat. With the thermostat, you can be certain that the temperature in your home will be appropriate when you come home from work/after running errands.
4. Check the settings on the ceiling fan
Even though most homeowners have at least one ceiling fan, the truth is that few of them are aware of the fact these units usually operate on two settings. While the first setting is for the cold season as it has the role of displacing warm air throughout the entire room, the second setting has the function of constantly pushing air down in order to create a pleasant breeze. Therefore, don’t forget to check that you have the right setting on during summer.
5. Let the hot air escape
As heat rises, it is very likely that your attic becomes unbrethable during summer, particularly during midday and afternoon. Since the heat in the attic has nowhere to go, it will inevitably transfer to your entire home and force your AC unit to overwork. Given these facts, it is advisable that you install a proper roofing ventilation system to allow the hot air to escape your home.
6. Make best use of your garden
If you are a passionate gardener then you should consider planting tree in strategic points of your property, namely in areas that can limit the amount of light going through your windows. An alternative would be to let climbing plants grow onto the walls of your home so that they create a barrier against the sunrays. However, if neither of the ideas work for you, then you can always create a place with plenty of shade in the garden, where you can retreat when the heat inside becomes intolerable.
7. Trap the cool air inside
While a ventilation system in your attic allows the hot air to escape the house, you should also find a means of keeping the cool air inside the home. The simplest solution to do so implies adding more insulation to your home such as caulking your windows and doors. On a side note, having insulation and a thermostat will guarantee that you will not have to be worried about your energy bill due to an overworking air conditioning unit.
8. Perform maintenance on your AC unit more often
Failing to perform regular maintenance on the AC unit will inevitably lead to clogs, debris accumulations and hence, you will end up with a less proficient cooling unit to maintain the right temperature in your home during summer. Therefore, find the user manual, look for the maintenance instructions and make sure that every part of the air conditioning unit is working perfectly.
9. Install efficient blinds
Simple as it may sound, installing blinds is actually the easiest method to reduce the temperature indoors by a few degrees. However, it is necessary to mention the fact that this simple solution will only be efficient if you have light colored blinds, since tones like white or pastel reflect the light and stop the heat from getting inside.
10. It’s a nice weather, why don’t you cook outside?
In the eventuality that you are normally cooking two or three meals per day for your family, then you surely know that the kitchen is the cook’s nightmare in summer. Using the oven to prepare your loved ones their favorite dishes is the fastest way to transform your kitchen into a veritable sauna and sitting in such high temperatures for too long will definitely lead to the development of various heat related illnesses (heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat rash, heat edema, so on and so forth).
To escape the insurmountable heat of the kitchen and maintain your health, then why don’t you take advantage of the fine weather outside and take your cooking outdoors. Besides, you simply have no better excuse of using the barbecue pit and preparing crunchy, juicy and finger-licking dishes for your family and friends. The only thing to remember is to place the grill in an area with plenty of shade.
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