This year, we're dealing with a double whammy: a long, hot summer and electricity bills that have climbed faster than the temperature. You're probably already breaking out in a cold sweat thinking about how much it will cost to keep your house cool.
But, before you start looking for blow-up paddling pools and ice machines to get you through the summer, consider these home conditioning experts' advice for staying cool and keeping your energy expenditures under control.
It will necessitate a few minor changes to your home and routines, but when your next power bill arrives, you'll be glad you made the effort.
1. Keep the Sun Out
As tempting as it may be to let natural light fill your room, keep in mind that light equals heat.
The more light that enters your home, the warmer you will feel and the harder your air conditioner will have to work. Keep your blinds closed, especially those on west and north-facing windows, to keep the temperature in your home acceptable. Better still, get blackout curtains to completely block out heat and keep your home cool all summer.
2. Only 1 degree Celsius more
If you must use your air conditioner, set the temperature to between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius, or as high as you are comfortable with. In warm weather, increasing your thermostat by 1oC can cut your device's operating costs by 10%.
If you want to change your air conditioner, buy one with a high energy-star rating and do your research to ensure you get the correct type for your home.
3. Be a supporter
Try a low-tech solution first before turning on the air conditioning. Fans are an inexpensive and simple solution to beat the heat, and they are easy to maintain. It will only cost roughly $30 to run a fan continuously for the entire summer.
Fans can also provide you a little more leeway when it comes to cooling. According to a 2022 study, a fan can buy you an extra 3-4°C before the room becomes too hot for air conditioning, which means less time using the air conditioner, which is excellent news for your electricity bill.
And, if you use a fan in conjunction with your air conditioning, it will move the air more effectively, reducing the need for it to work as hard, saving you even more money.
4. Wrap it in insulation.
It's not glamorous, but insulation is far more vital than you might imagine. Adding insulation to your ceiling alone can cut heat by up to 35%, making a significant impact in your summer energy expenditure.
In the summer, wall and ceiling insulation will keep the cool air in and the heat out, and vice versa in the winter, saving you money on both heating and cooling.
5. Infiltrate Your Windows.
Approximately 76% of the light that falls on windows enters the home and converts to heat. Reflective window films are capable of blocking up to 78% of solar heat and 99% of damaging UV rays. While too much sunlight will simply make your house warmer, UV rays are harmful to both your health and your furniture. Not only are these window films a must-have for the summer, but they're also necessary for keeping your skin and furnishings safe.
Window films are a simple DIY project with numerous alternatives based on your requirements.
6. Purchase a Smart Cooling Solution.
The only thing that could improve your home's cooling in the summer is if your air conditioner had its own mind. While you can't program your air conditioner to think for itself, investing in a smart air conditioner controller or a smart thermostat is the next best thing.
These devices can help you make cooling routines for the entire week as well as turn on your air conditioner when you enter the area of your home. They help save up to 25% energy and have several smart features and benefits.
7. Construct a Cool Roof.
Cool roofs reflect sunshine and heat, allowing your home to stay cool in the summer. reflecting tiles or shingles, reflecting paint, or a sheet covering may be used on these roofs. Cool roofs can be erected on almost any form of structure and are especially useful in areas without air conditioning, such as garages.
8. Replace the sheets on your bed.
This advice may appear insignificant, yet it makes a significant difference in the temperature of your home. Lighter materials, ideally in brighter colors like white, reflect light and heat and help keep your home cool in the summer. The texture of your linens is also important because lighter textiles breathe better than heavier ones. Because changing your linens on a regular basis is a terrific way to freshen up your home, this is a worthwhile investment.
9. Make Proper Use of Ceiling Fans.
Ceiling fans alone will not significantly reduce room temperature. However, when combined with an air conditioner, fans can be extremely beneficial. In the summer, make sure your fan is rotating counter-clockwise. When you turn this direction, fans will force cooler air down towards you, keeping your home cooler on hot days.
To have more options, you can read the article of Mark Walhberg about the Best Ceiling Fan, see Top Ceiling Fans product reviews CeilingFansLiving
10. Do not use the oven or stove.
Cooking foods generates a lot of heat, which can drastically boost the temperature in your house. In this temperature, no one wants to stand in the hottest section of their house. Instead, choose non-cooking meals such as salads or sandwiches. If you must cook, try it on the grill outside. This not only keeps your home cool, but it also offers you an excuse to utilize your grill more often!
11. Install an attic ventilation system.
During the summer, attics can reach temperatures of up to 150 degrees. This heat will almost certainly travel throughout your home, elevating the total temperature. Aside from insulating your attic, you can also purchase an attic ventilator or attic fan. These fans work by drawing cool air from outside and removing heated air from your attic. As a consequence, your attic stays reasonably cool, which can assist your air conditioner keep your house cool in the summer.
12. Plant Foliage to Keep Your House Cool During the Summer.
Trees and vegetation act as natural solar barriers while also considerably improving the landscape. While it may take a few seasons to realize the benefits of this, it will be well worth the wait. You can select fast-growing trees like Sycamore, Maple, or Poplar. Choose deciduous trees that shed their leaves in the winter. In this manner, your home will enjoy shade in the summer but enough of sunlight in the winter.
13. Frost Your Fan.
While nothing beats the cooling power of an air conditioner, this fan and ice combination comes close. To begin, put a bowl of ice in front of a non-oscillating fan. Then, direct the fan to the area you wish to chill, sit back, and enjoy the icy-cold wind produced by your DIY AC setup! A simple and practical way to keep your house cool throughout summer!
These useful hints can help you keep your home cool. Please visit the Ceiling Fans Living website if you require any extra assistance, Andrew Hobbs - our talented author will help you.
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