Tips on Keeping House Cool
Summer can bring in fierce heat, but even if you don't wish to air-condition your house, there are many different methods for keeping cool. Turning off the air conditioner and turning to other methods for cooling your home can reduce your energy bill. When you want to cool your home, consider some of the options that may be open to you. Does this Spark an idea?
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Use Fans
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Ceiling fans and box fans circulate the air and can drop the temperature by two or three degrees. If you choose to use air-conditioning, use a fan as well to make sure the cool air circulates through your home. Similarly, placing a bowl of cold water with ice in it in front of a fan can help keep your home cool.
Install Window Shades
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While bare windows will let in a great deal of light, they also can lead to a buildup of heat in the home. If you want to make sure you are getting enough light, choose white window shades. You also may use mini blinds. According to Care2, mini blinds can reduce solar heat gain by between 40 and 50 percent.
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Install Awnings
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Windows with southern exposures receive the most light during the course of the day. To prevent the light from getting in and heating the house, install awnings above the window. This can shade the window and prevent direct light, while allowing ambient light into the home.
Install Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs
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Replace all of your traditional lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs. According to AZ Sustainability, these bulbs use 75 percent less energy and produce 75 percent less heat. This can help keep you cool on warmer nights, without keeping you in the dark.
Restrict Stove and Oven Use
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Stoves and ovens can add heat to an already warm home. If you want to bake or broil food, wait until after dark. During the day, consider using a microwave or eating cold foods.
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References
- Photo Credit fan image by Lucy Clark from Fotolia.com
