More homeowners are concerned about their energy consumption and carbon footprint than ever before. As we become more aware and educated about our individual impact on the environment, taking small steps to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle and reduce your energy consumption becomes more important.
When the temperatures start to rise in the summer months, it can be tempting to crank up the air conditioning to stay comfortable, but that’s not your only option. There are plenty of ways to stay cool in the heat and still be environmentally conscious. You can also save a ton of money on your energy bills.
No matter what your electricity rates are, the truth is that large appliances like your HVAC consume a ton of energy just to operate. By using some of our alternative methods, you can stay comfortable and reduce your energy consumption.
Create Circulation
One of the easiest ways to stay cool and reduce your energy consumption in the summer heat is to create a flow of air in your home. It always feels nicer to have air moving over your skin rather than just trying to survive a dead heat. Turn your overhead fans on low and make sure that they are rotating in the right direction to push air down to the floor.
You can also create a natural cross breeze by opening opposite windows or doors in your home. If you open windows across from each other one will pull the air through the house like a vacuum, creating a refreshing breeze.
Drapes & Shutters
When the sun is streaming in your windows, it can feel like you are living in a greenhouse. During the hottest parts of the day close all of your blinds and shutters to keep the heat out. It will be dimmer in your home during the day but the difference in the temperature will be worth it.
Open Windows At Night
To reduce your energy consumption at night, you could always open windows. No matter how hot it gets during the day it will almost always cool down a bit at night. Take this opportunity to open your windows in the evening to let in some cooler and fresher air. Overnight it’s a good idea to only open your upper story windows for safety.
Dress Appropriately
It may sound simple, but dressing in the proper fabrics and clothing styles can really help you to beat the heat and reduce your energy consumption. Wearing loose and flowy fabrics will help you to feel less confined in your sweaty clothes. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton blends are the best in the heat. They wick moisture away from your skin and allow your skin to breathe easier.
Run Appliances At Night
Your appliances like your dryer and your dishwasher can throw off a lot of residual heat when they are running. To help keep your home more comfortable during the hottest parts of the day it’s better to delay laundry chores until the evening. If you have to run your larger appliances, wait until the outside temperatures start to drop and make sure that the area is ventilated by opening a nearby window or door.
If you are looking for ways to adapt to a more sustainable lifestyle and reduce your energy consumption you can always start with your everyday tasks. Turning off unneeded lights, minimizing your energy usage through your large appliances and using some of our tips will help keep you cool during the summer and keep your energy consumption on track.