Temperatures are heating up in Southern California, and with summer just around the corner, it’s only going to get warmer. But if you don’t want to run your air conditioning 24/7, and you’re looking for ways to stay cool while not breaking your bank, follow our tips on how to keep cool for less.
Close your windows and pull the shades
Unless it’s late at night or early in the morning, we recommend that you close your windows and keep the blinds/curtains closed in order to keep the outside heat and sun out. This will definitely keep the inside of your home cooler and save you from running your AC constantly.
Turn off anything you aren’t using
Lights, electronics, appliances etc. can all put off a lot of heat. Even in standby or sleep mode, electronics like computers and gaming consoles can emit heat. Be sure to completely shut off any appliance you aren’t using and unplug it. It is also smart to invest in energy-efficient light bulbs to cut down on heat emission as well.
Use fans efficiently
Fans can be just as effective at cooling a home as your air conditioning, and they cost a lot less to run! Ceiling fans are a great way too cool off during the summer. To feel the full cooling effect of your ceiling fans, make sure you turn them to rotate counter-clockwise so you feel the air being pushed down on you. Be sure not to forget to turn on your bathroom fan to whisk that hot air out of the room as well!
Run certain appliances at night
If time permits (and you’re not too much of a light sleeper) we suggest running your dishwasher and doing laundry at night. Many people don’t realize how much heat dryers and dishwashers put off. If you run these appliances in the evening, when it’s cooler outside, it will keep you from cranking the AC during the day
Focus on cooling yourself, not your home
People have survived without air conditioning for centuries, and so can you. Instead of making sure every single room in your home is a comfortable 68 degrees, focus on cooling yourself. Drinking plenty of cool beverages, eating refreshing watermelon or berries, and even treating yourself to some ice-cream or a popsicle are all ways of cooling down. You can also take a cool shower or place a cool, damp washcloth around your neck if you’re really feeling the heat.
Cesi Pagano
Leave a Reply