Trying to cool off your home is not always easy. The rising costs of energy have made it so that simple air conditioning can cost you a King’s ransom. When the summer season is particularly hot, the costs are incredible. Because of this, people are always looking for ways to cool off the house in a cheaper way. While sometimes the heat is simply too powerful to go cheap, the vast majority of the summer can be dealt with in inexpensive ways. Here are some tips to cool your home without spending a fortune this summer:
Frugal Ways to Cool Your Home This Summer
Air It Out When Possible
It is relatively easy to keep things cooler during the night. The early evening and morning hours are generally going to be cooler as well. Use this time to open up the house and get some natural air flow going. This can be a wonderful way to skip several hours of air conditioning. Then turn on your air only when the heat begins to rise. Those hours of natural air can save you a fortune.
Block Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight is a quick and easy way to drive your energy bill through the roof. Close up the blinds and shades when the days are particularly hot and you will find that air conditioning goes a whole lot farther. There is no need to spend extra so that you can keep the windows open, right?
Keep Your Stove On Hold During Hotter Days
Learn to love your grill during the summer folks and you will save a ton of cash. Running your stove will not only heat up your home, it will also cost you more energy all by itself. That said, you should strive to cook outdoors on the days when air conditioning is necessary. This is not possible every day, but it is certainly possible most days. Grilled food also gives you an added bonus of eating healthy!
Insulate Well
If your windows and doors are all out of whack and you have cracks throughout the home, you can be sure you are “cooling off the neighborhood” as my mom used to say. This can cost you incredible amounts of money and it is such an easy fix. If you have the money, go through and replace. If you don’t, at least inspect each opening and find a way to seal it off. Some well placed towels can even make a difference. Also remember to check out your attic for proper insulation.
Close Off Rooms That Are Not Used Often
Most people have at least one or two areas that are not being used on a daily basis. Whether it is a guest room or a storage area, you should close it off and keep it tight throughout the summer. This will save you plenty as you are only then cooling off the areas that are being used. Why cool off an empty room?
What are your favorite frugal ways to cool off the house during the summer?
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