Though summer is a good time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors and the weather, sometimes actually making good on that promise can seem like a chore. Unless you’re swimming, live in a cool climate or have access to A/C, the heat can be nearly unbearable. And though you can’t spend every day in a pool (I know, it’s unfortunate), you can find ways to avoid letting the outside heat drastically increase the cost of your bills. Here are a few easy, inexpensive ways to mitigate the cost of staying cool in the warm summer months so your wallet doesn’t get burned.
Be Mindful of Your Windows
One of the most obvious ways to keep your living space cool is to utilize your windows. The quickest way to cool your house is to crack them open when you go to bed at night to allow the cool, nighttime air in your house. For good cross-ventilation, make sure you open at least two windows. An added bonus is that you may get to hear the crickets, frogs or even cicadas. It’s like a free sound machine.
Another (free) option is to keep the blinds on sunny windows closed. It may sound simple, but according to the Energy Department, using interior blinds that are completely closed and lowered will reduce heat gain by roughly 45 percent. The Energy Department also suggests using the slats to redirect the rays to a light-colored ceiling, which will diffuse the light without much glare or heat. If you’re not a fan of blinds, try drapes, which the DOE says can reduce heat gain by as much as 33 percent. You can even find an inexpensive paper shade to reduce heat and glare, and it costs less than $15.
Change Up Your Routine
Did you know you likely pay more for electricity during the “peak hours” of the day? Though it varies by location, being mindful of your electric company’s peak-use hours will help you to cut the cost of your energy bill. Our electric company promotes a program called Beat the Peak, and asks customers to shift their electric use away from the peak hours of 2 pm to 6 pm daily from June through September. Easy ways to do this are to shift the use of hot water, avoid the use of major appliances and increase your thermostat’s setting by 3 degrees during this time frame.
And think beyond your bills. If you frequently use your oven or hot stove when cooking, consider using your grill or an outdoor burner (I especially like this option for things like bacon, because the grease can splatter wherever it wants outside and I don’t have to worry about it getting all over my counters). Load up your dishwasher after dinner, but use the delay feature or remember to start it before you go to bed at night. If you’re doing laundry, night’s also a good time to throw stuff in the dryer.
Maximize Energy Savings
If you’re willing to invest a little up front, consider purchasing a programmable thermostat. According to Energy Star, the proper use of a programmable thermostat with four pre-programmed settings will save you about $180 per year in energy costs. You also can purchase a smart thermostat, which automatically learns the temperatures you like, turns itself down when you’re gone and can be controlled remotely. If you’re the kind to forget about the thermostat, using one of these could lead to big savings.
Even a small change like switching your incandescent bulbs for fluorescent ones will lead to savings that add up. For example, according to the Energy Department, energy-efficient light bulbs use about 25 to 80 percent less energy and last three to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. You’ll have to purchase them less frequently, and they use less energy.
If you look around, you’ll surely find even more ways to save and cool off in your home. Whether it’s the tried-and-true act of turning on a ceiling fan or going out and purchasing a smarter thermostat, I hope you find the relief you seek so you can enjoy the beautiful weather and keep the cost of your bills to a minimum.
More from U.S. News
12 Millennial-Inspired Ways to Spend Less
10 Ways to Save While Gardening
How to Save While Keeping Your Home Cool originally appeared on usnews.com
