Keeping your home cool is crucial during the hottest months of the year, but cranking the AC can add up to serious utility bills. Fortunately, there are other ways to keep your home cool without breaking the bank or using unnecessary resources.
Saving money and the planet are motivating factors when it comes to finding alternative home cooling methods. Discover some easy ways to beat the heat, feel comfortable at home, and reduce your use of costly air conditioning systems.
Keep a Home Cool With Windows
Windows can let heat in or help keep it out, depending on how they are used. Cover windows with dark draperies or insulated film to keep the sun’s heat out during the warmest part of the day—conversely, open windows when it gets darker and cooler to let in the cool air.
After letting cool air in the evening, be sure to close the windows again during the day to prevent your home from heating up. Window fans can also help you beat the heat as long as you cover areas of the window that let in the sun.
Use Fans
With fans in mind, they are an excellent way to keep a home cool without incurring additional costs for air conditioning. Install ceiling fans to circulate air and move hot air away from the room. Consider having them run counterclockwise to beat the heat.
Standing and portable fans are also helpful to keep a home cool and livable. Place them to create cross ventilation throughout the rooms, allowing for the coolest air without adding to your electricity bill.
Just Add Ice
Ice is another way to make yourself and your home cool on the hottest days of the year. Place a bowl of ice in front of each fan to create an informal air conditioner.
For larger areas, dip a sheet in ice water and hang it for the fans to blow through and cool the air. Putting ice in a washcloth and rubbing it over your body before standing near a fan can help you feel instantly cooler.
Check the Humidity
While heat can be overwhelming, we often overlook the impact of humidity on air quality and the need for cooling on a hot day. Check the humidity index in your areas to determine if moisture in the air is contributing to the heat in your house.
Invest in a dehumidifier to eliminate moisture and feel cooler. This is especially important in closed areas, such as a basement, where humidity can quickly develop into mold, causing additional problems.
The Wrap Up
Keeping a home cool can be expensive and challenging during the summer season. Reduce your costs and environmental impact by adjusting window coverings according to the time of day. Invest in fans and put out ice for an impromptu air conditioner. Check the humidity and consider using a dehumidifier to breathe more easily and feel more comfortable, as well as reduce the risk of mold development.
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