Home Improvement

5 Ways to Save on Cooling Costs This Summer

Summer is supposed to be a care-free time when, as the song says, the “catfish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high.” If this year you are dreading the summer solstice and the warm weather it brings, you are not alone. Because of the current economy, many people cannot afford to run their air conditioners the same way they have in the past. Don’t worry, just follow the guidelines below and you can still have fun in the sun and keep cool, too.

1. Check for Leaks

First of all, make sure that all your precious cold air is staying inside your house where it belongs. Check for cracks along the windows and doors, and consider an insulation inspection Nassau County to be sure your attic is sealed tight.

2. Install Blackout Curtains

Heavy curtains over sunny windows are a must. Otherwise, the glass will magnify rays of the sun and your house will heat up like a greenhouse. You can find a lot of stylish and economical varieties of blackout drapes to match your decor, and they can always be tied back and out of the way when there is no direct sunlight in that part of the house.

3. Plant Fast-Growing Shade Trees

As the Chinese proverb says, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, but the second-best time is today. Trees make an enormous difference when it comes to keeping a house cool. Fast-growing species include tulip poplar, quaking aspen, and most species of maple.

4. Adjust Your Fans for Summer

Running electric fans costs far less than using air conditioning. Strategically place some window fans to create a nice breeze through the home. Also, be sure to adjust your ceiling fans to run counterclockwise; there should be a switch to change the direction of spin.

5. Consider Life Without Air Conditioning

For most of American history, there was no such thing as air conditioning. Although the first air conditioner was patented in 1851, it did not become popular in America until the 1950s. All the stories and events from before this time happened in homes with windows wide open and without the sound of a condenser fan running in the background. If millions of your predecessors enjoyed this style of quiet and breezy life, then perhaps you can, too.

Try these tips and you can spend more of your money on fun summertime activities, and less on cold air.

 

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