Posted by Nancy Sabatelli on Jun.29, 2010

ⓒ iStockPhoto - gewitterkind

It’s officially summer! Sure, that means sun and fun, but also soaring temps and sweltering humidity. So, when you’re sticky and sweaty, what can you do to keep cool? Air conditioning isn’t the only way to go – plenty of other options use less energy and have lower costs. Check out these tips to beat the heat:

Become a Fan of Fans

Fans are a great way to create a breeze and move around stale air. In particular, attic fans are ideal because hot air rises, and a lot of heat comes into your home through the roof (1). Also, having a ceiling fan in your bedroom will circulate and cool the air, making your sleeping environment cool and comfortable (2).

Block Light and Heat from Windows

Leaving your drapes, blinds, curtains or other window treatments open allows in sunlight and extra heat. So, keeping these closed will help keep the heat out. Plus, consider installing awnings over your windows. According to Lloyd Alter on PlanetGreen.com, “Awnings can reduce solar heat gain – the amount temperature rises because of sunshine – by as much as 65 percent on windows with southern exposures and 77 percent on those with western exposures” (1).

Plant Trees

Large trees with full, lush canopies of leaves provide coverage and protection from the hot sun. They can shade your home and keep it much cooler. In addition to shade, trees also provide “evaporative cooling,” lowering the temperature of the surrounding air in the immediate vicinity. If planted in the right spot to provide enough shade, “A properly sited tree can cut cooling costs by as much as 50 percent,” claims Alter (1).

Minimize Activities That Create Heat

Sure, you probably won’t be baking or running the oven or stove – you know how hot these activities make your house! Try using your microwave, a small toaster oven or heading outdoors to grill your food instead (2). Other less-obvious activities generate heat, too – for example, running the clothes dryer, dishwasher or appliances. Even turning on your lights generates heat, especially if you have standard light bulbs. Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs, which give off less heat (2).

Keep Your Home Leak-Free and Well-Insulated

Gaps, cracks or holes around windows and doors allow space for cool air to escape and hot air to come into your home. Fill them with caulk to create a tight seal – this will prevent cool air from escaping and keep hot air out . You can have a professional energy auditor to come check your home or do it yourself.

Air conditioning systems cost big bucks to buy, install, operate and maintain. Updating and replacing an existing A/C system can between $3,000 and $6,000. Purchasing and installing a brand-new central A/C system can cost just as much or even more, according to ConsumerSearch.com (3). There are also energy costs to consider. To operate an average central A/C system costs about $73 per month, (when run five hours per day). Each window unit A/C costs around $16 per month to operate, claims Chris Tyrrel for GreenLiving.com (4). However, actual costs will vary, depending on the size of the unit, how much energy it puts out and how many hours per day it runs.

So, save money and energy – you don’t need air conditioning to stay cool this summer!

Sources:

1. Alter, Lloyd. Low-Tech Air Conditioning Guide. (October 5, 2009). Planet Green. Retrieved May 31, 2010 from http://planetgreen.discovery.com/feature/green-materials-guide/cooling-lowtech-air-conditioning.html

2. Judkis, Maura & Palmer, Kimberly. 10 Ways to Reduce Your Summer Utility Bills. (May 4, 2010). Yahoo! Finance. Retrieved June 1, 2010 from http://finance.yahoo.com/news/10-Ways-to-Reduce-Your-Summer-usnews-3196143093.html?x=0

3. Central AC Pricing. (2010). Consumer Research. Retrieved June 21, 2010 from http://www.consumersearch.com/central-air-conditioners/central-ac-pricing

4. Tyrell, Chris. Chris Tyrrell Answers More of Your Energy Questions. (June 8, 2010). Green Living. Retrieved June 21, 2010 from http://www.greenlivingonline.com/article/chris-tyrrell-answers-more-your-energy-questions

Share

Posted under Eco-Friendly Ideas, Green Clean Air, Home Environment.