8 Ways to Stay Cool while Saving Money This Summer

1. Consider a Fan instead of the AC during peak hours.

Yes it is true that a Fan uses electricity too but it uses about 1/10th of the electricity that your Air Conditioner uses. That could save you up to $100 a month.

2. Create a cross current

By opening windows in your home that are across from one another you will create a wind tunnel effect that, along with your fan, will help keep you cool.

 3. Keep a spray bottle in the refrigerator and sprits yourself throughout the day.

As the cool water evaporates off your skin your body will cool down. Concentrate the sprays on your wrists and the back of your neck.

 4. Program your Thermostat.

Most people think the best way to save is to turn the AC on and off as the house heats and cools. In reality this makes your unit run double time. Set your thermostat at 76 while you are home and 85 when you are away. This allows your AC to work in short bursts keeping the run time and cost down.

 5. Draw the Blinds during the day/when you are not home.

It is a small thing that can make a huge difference. You notice that it is always cooler in the shade. By drawing your blinds you are preventing the sun from heating up your home. Believe it or not lighter shades work better as the darker shades draw in and retain the heat from the sun.

 6. Cook outside.

When people think of summer BBQ’s immediately come to mind. Take advantage of the nice weather and cook outside. This will keep the heat outside where it belongs.

 7. Check your seals.

Make sure not to let cool air escape. Many older homes have leaky windows and doors, you don’t need to spend tons of money replacing them try a fresh coat of caulking around your windows and some new weather stripping around the doors. You will notice a difference in the temperature of your house fairly quickly.

8. Cool down your showers.

When you take a warm/hot shower you are raising your body temperature to the point that when you get out of the shower you still feel warm. By changing the temperature of your shower you are changing the temperature of your body. It’s a great way to stay cool and sweat less.