Summer is here! There are so many reasons to get excited for this season. Many of us in Massachusetts spend the winter months dreaming of beach days, vacation time, and warm weather. But for others, summer may feel like a sweaty nightmare. Luckily, there are many different ways to escape the summer heat. Yes, central air may seem like the be all end all fix, but it’s not easy to install and isn’t the most energy efficient. There are a lot of other out of the box ways to stay cool and save energy in the summer. Here are some of our favorites!
Wattson’s Top 10 Ways to Cool Your House:
- Swap out your incandescent light bulbs – Opt for CFLs instead of incandescent bulbs. All light bulbs give off heat, but incandescent bulbs are the worst offenders. Not only will it save you money but your home will be a little bit cooler and energy efficient.
- Close the doors – Shutting your doors between the rooms in your home will keep the cold air where you want it to flow. It will prevent your AC having to work overtime to cool the rooms that aren’t in use.
- Keep window blinds shut – When sunlight is allowed to come into your home, it increases the air temperature inside. We’re not saying you need to live your life in the dark, but keeping your blinds and curtains shut when it’s sunny outside can create a significant difference in the temperature indoors. While you’re at it, try insulating windows to keep cool air inside.
- Crack open the windows – Although summer nights are still typically warm, they are a lot cooler than the day time. Take advantage of the cooler nights and open your windows, but remember to close the windows and shades before the morning heat comes in!
- Hang a wet sheet – Did you know that hanging up a wet sheet in front of an open window actually… works? It’s an easy and inexpensive way to cool down an entire room!
- Create an indoor cross breeze – Strategically placing fans near windows and around rooms can create your own personalized airflow. This method will be most effective if the windows aren’t letting direct light in, or at night when the air is cool.
- Turn on ceiling fans – Believe it or not ceiling fans are designed to be seasonal! If it’s cool outside the fan should spin clockwise, pushing the warm air down towards the floor of the room. In the summer when the weather is hot, your ceiling fan should be spinning counter-clockwise. This will keep the warm air moving up towards the ceiling and the cool air circulating down into the room.
- Get creative with ice – Another way to get creative with ice is to placing a bowl full of it in front of a fan. The air will circulate cold moisture from the ice around the room, cooling you off. Don’t knock it until you try it!
- Keep cool with cotton sheets – You wouldn’t wear fleece during the summertime, so don’t use fleece or flannel sheets either. A fresh set of cotton sheets will allow the cool air to flow through them easier. Don’t let your body heat get trapped in the bed with you.
- Unplug your appliances – Even appliances that are turned off give off heat– and drain energy– when they are plugged in. Be sure to unplug electronics and appliances when they are not in use.
Bonus Tip!
Consider installing a ductless mini-split system in your home. Traditional HVAC units are known for losing up to 20-30% of cooling and heating efficiency through duct work. With a ductless mini-split, that will be a non-issue. Not only that, but this system also reduces noise, lowers your energy costs, and gives you more control over the temperature of your home!
If you would like to learn more about ductless mini-splits, contact one of our energy experts! We would love to help make your home as energy-efficient as possible.
