Get Smart on Staying Cool
Installing
the AC has always been a summer ritual in my house. It is the day I admit that
I am weak and need some electronic help to stay cool. Yesterday I installed the
power sucking bundle of cool joy into my bedroom window, making summer
official, even if the calendar says otherwise.
Of
course this cowardice is not exactly a green solution to the “heat
problem”. In fact, wasted heat from air conditioners
have been shown to warm the outside air temperature in cities,creating
an even stronger dependence on the energy guzzling monsters.
As
someone who admittedly uses the AC frequently during the summer months I can’t
forbid my fellow users from the powerful cool air blowing beast. I can give
tips of using the AC more efficiently, and give more “natural” tips on keeping
cool and controlling the heat.
If
your Air Conditioner is over 10 years old buying one that is Energy Star rated
can save 20-40 percent on cooling costs.
2. Improve Your Insulation
Sealing
your ducts and improving insulation can keep you from “loosing” cool air and
save on energy bills.
3. Keep AC Filters Clean
Replace
filters when possible, dirt limits airflow.
4. Program Your Thermostat
If
you have a programmable thermostat, set it to turn on about an hour and a half
before you come home from work, that way you don’t leave it full blasting all
day.
5. Don’t Turn Your House into an Ice Box
The
AC doesn’t have to turn your house into an icebox in order to make it
comfortable. Keep your house at ‘higher’ temperature like 78’ when your home and 85’ when you’re out.
6. AC Your Rooms Efficiently
For
those of us without central air who instead use window, ACs it is not always
possible to keep the whole house cool. Choose small rooms that are used a
lot. It is more efficient to AC small rooms then large open ones.
7. Limit Use of the Stove and Oven during Hot
Weather
During
hot weather try to serve ‘cool’ foods likes salads and sandwiches. Not
only will the food be more ‘refreshing,’ but using the stove could warm up the
house.
8. Take Advantage of Water
Cool
down your body temperature by taking a cold bath, applying a soaked bandana to
your forehead, or spritzing your exposed areas with water.
9. Use a Clothesline
Take
advantage of the sun, ignore the clothes drying machine and hang up a
clothesline instead.
10. Get Some Shade
Prevent
excess heat from finding a way into your home by closing your shades in the
morning before the sun hits your house. Keeping windows closed during the day
keeps the warm air from outside from coming in. Open your windows at night to
take advantage of cross ventilation, when the air outside is cooler.
11. Turn off Lights
Keep
your lights out whenever possible because the heat/energy given off by the
light can warm up a room.
12. Know When to Use Your Fan
Fans
provide the house no benefit if no one is there is appreciate their magic.
Enjoy
Your Summer!