As your bills pile up every month, so does your anxiety. Most homeowners can budget for their mortgage, but struggle with fluctuating energy costs through the year. During the long hot summer months, it’s hard to live without air conditioning, but before you let your monthly bills get the best of your wallet, take a look at things you can do to help save you on costs, while saving the planet too!
Saving money has never been so easy! The biggest chunk of your energy bill during long summer months comes from keeping the inside of your home cool. If you can get a handle on that, then you’ve solved most of your problem already! A lot of people don’t realize it, but keeping your home cool in the summer is very simple. Start with a few easy things you can do to make sure your home is less hotter and the bill isn’t climbing higher!
- - Close blinds and draw curtains during the hottest (and brightest) part of the day. You’ll feel the temperature immediately drop!
- - Close vents that you aren’t using. Don't cool the whole house if you’re only using part of it.
- - Install your air conditioner in a shaded area. If your air conditioner that is exposed to direct sunlight it will consume 5% more energy.
- - Exhaust fans and dehumidifiers reduce the effects of humidity. Turn on the bathroom exhaust after bathing. When cooking on the stove, use a vent fan to exhaust heated air.
- - Adjust your thermostat when you’re not home. If you’re not going to be around, there’s no point in making the cooling system work over time.
- - Use a portable or ceiling fan to cool a room faster and more efficiently, especially at night.
- - During summer nights, open the windows and enjoy the comfort of cool evening air. This also improves air quality and removes humidity inside the house.
I always get homeowners complaining that no matter what they try, their bill is still skyrocketing. Keep reading the blog for numerous other ways to keep the costs low through the year! In the mean time, if summer heat is getting to you, try this recipe for a quick and cool summer salad, perfect for your next barbeque at home! Speaking for barbeque, I’ll by sharing my favorite recipe really soon!
Cucumbers
Mint
Parsley
Chives
Lemon
Chop them up, mix them in a bowl, and you’re all set to serve!
Here’s hoping you’re staying cool this summer!
Cheers
Bill