6 Easy FRUGAL ways to keep you & your house cool this summer!
With Summer just around the corner (and showing it's face in some areas already!) it's time to start thinking about conventional FRUGAL ways to keep you and your house cool. You risk your sanity during the summer months trying to keep your house humidity free and at a decent temperature without running the AC for 24 hours (resulting in a through the roof electricity bill!). Below you will find 6 easy ways you can cut costs and lower your bills this summer while still staying "cool":
Shop When It's Hot
The hottest time of the day on average is between 10am and 2pm. If you have errands to run or simply want to go out and pick up a new pair of shoes do it during these hours! Why go shopping in the evening when it's cooler outside? When the sun is overhead and the temps are at their highest it is best to do your shopping then. Get inside into the FREE Air Conditioning and out of the heat!
Cook Outdoors
Ovens use energy which increases your bills and also bring in unnecessary heat during those hot months. When you can COOK OUTDOORS! Invite friends and family over for a cook-out and keep the hot food outside! Using a grill will save you money on your energy bill as well as keep the heat outside – where it belongs.
Don't Turn Down The AC If You Don't Have To!
I love natural sunlight in my house, but during the Summer months the direct light and heat can make the house even more hot. Close your curtains and blinds in rooms that get direct sunlight. Hows the temperature outside feel? If it's cool enough in the evening open your windows and utilize ceiling and room fans instead of turning down the AC. What rooms in your house are used the most and get the most traffic? Focus on cooling those rooms! Rooms that get little to no people in them during the day (like your bathroom) do not need to be cooled as much as the other rooms in your home. I close my vents in these rooms forcing more air to the other rooms of the house when the AC is running.
Live Like A Tourist
All of the Museums, Libraries, Shopping Malls, etc in your area are perfect places to go during the summer months! If you hardly get to the Art Museum in your area, now is a great time to go! You can learn new things and have a great time all in the comfort of a big AIR CONDITIONED building! Enjoy time with friends and family while keeping yourself out of the heat!
USE The Heat To Your Advantage
The heat can be useful for you during the Summer! Use it to your advantage and save on your bills. Line dry your clothes! Using the dryer is costly and causes unwanted heat in your home. Create an old fashioned clothes line, get some clothes pins and you're good to go! The heat and wind will dry your clothes quickly.
Minimize Appliance Use
The most common sources of internal heat are; appliances, electronics, and lighting. Do not place items like Lamps and Appliances near or around the thermostat. This will cause it to pick up on unnecessary heat and thus work harder to cool the house. Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescents; these produce the same light but use 1/5 of the energy AND heat! Like I said before, refrain from using the dryer as it is costly and produces a lot of extra heat!
What tips and tricks can you share to help save on cooling you and your house this Summer? Share below in the comments!
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