Keep Cool Without Breaking the Bank

Well, it’s summer and it’s hot. Really, really hot. You guys know by now that I love summer (hello, boating season), but sometimes the heat just gets to you. And it certainly doesn't help you when you've just done your makeup and curled your hair. Hello frizziness, fallen-out-curls, and smudged makeup. Read on to find out ways to fight the heat and stay cool!
 
The federal government expects summer power bills to increase, on average, 6.2%. Trying to live without A/C is like trying to live without poppi: I’m not doing it. So, that got me thinking. Surely there are things one can do to offset the increased energy needs of the HVAC to keep the house cooled more affordably, right? Right? Here’s what I found:


 
To maximize the energy efficiency of your A/C, set it to 78 degrees. This article from Bryant Heating and Cooling, who manufacturers residential and commercial heating and cooling units, reiterates current industry recommendations. Furthermore, they state that the ideal home temperature is between 75- and 78-degrees Fahrenheit. My first question, are the people who did these studies Gila monsters? There’s no immediately-thinkable scenario where I would personally think of most families finding 75+ degree temperatures as “ideal” or “comfortable.” Is it optimal for your HVAC system? Well, yeah. But most people aren't comfortable with their house that warm.


 
Seals and leaks. Much like one would do to “winterize,” review your home in and out for potential leaks, cracks and compromised seals to prevent the escape of that precious cool air. The usual culprits? Doors and window sills. Especially doors. After all, you open and close them rather frequently. That friction, over time, wears out joints and seals allowing more air to escape.


 
Insulation. Another one that people really only think about in regards to winter is insulation. That’s a mistake. Insulation doesn’t care about air temperature. To quote the late, great Neil Peart (a drummer/lyricist), it’s “the pride of purpose in the unrewarding job.” In the winter, insulation is there working to trap warm air. In the summer, it will work just as hard to trap cool air. Thank you, insulation. You are seen.


 
Ceiling fan direction. Here’s one I’m willing to bet that most people have never even considered. What direction is your ceiling fan spinning? When it’s warm, you want the fan to be moving counterclockwise. This creates a downdraft of cool air which, in the summer, is kind of what you want. Additionally, it works in tandem with your A/C, helping to better circulate the cool air. A fan spinning clockwise will push down hot air which, because of its lower density, will naturally rise as opposed to sink.


 
Block the heat from outside. There are a few things you can do outside, believe it or not, that can greatly affect the internal temperature of your home. Trees and shrubs can provide much-needed shade and shutters and awnings can block direct sunlight from entering windows where the heat is only magnified by the glass. You can also install UV-blocking film on the windows from the outside, which comes with the added benefit of increased privacy.


 
Install an attic fan. It’s no secret that a lot of heat gets trapped in the attic during the summer. Fortunately, you can mitigate some of that heat build-up with proper attic ventilation. Strategically-placed intake and exhaust vents can help to better circulate the air and prevent a buildup of heat from the roof, as well as the heat forced upward by your A/C and fans. An attic fan, similar to what you have in the bathroom to remove steam and moisture, can be beneficial in further cooling the environment by forcing out the accumulated heat.


 
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to keep your home cooler without relying entirely on your A/C. Think of your A/C like a car – every part works together to keep it running smoothly. When one part is under too much stress, it starts to wear down, and that affects everything else. If your A/C is constantly running at full blast, it’s only a matter of time before it burns out – plus, it uses a ton of energy fighting against the heat. Taking steps to lighten its workload just makes sense. After all, having your A/C running efficiently is always better than the alternative.