Summer is officially upon us and it looks like it’s shaping up to be a hot one. Whether you have central air or window units, the costs of using air conditioning adds up quickly. Try cutting back on the AC a little bit and just watch how much money you start to save. We’re not saying you have to live in a sweat lodge but you also shouldn’t feel guilty when choosing to use your AC. Try these few alternative ways to stay cool in your home.
1. Improve Planting Around Your Home
Most of the heat that accumulates in your home comes from direct sunlight. If you have many of windows of your home facing the east trying planting tall vegetation that will soak up the sun and keep the heat out. Leafy trees around your home’s exterior will provide shade and cooler temperatures for your home.
2. Box Fans
It’s not necessary to have a state-of-the-art fan to keep your house cool. Air circulation keeps your home from getting hot and muggy. Open up a window and place a box fan in the rooms you frequent the most. The beauty of the box fan comes in it’s price (around $20) and are regularly available in stores near you.
3. Hangout In The Basement
If you have a finished basement it could be a great place to spend those hot days. Basements stay cool because heat rises. Sit back on your couch, put on movie and sip on a cool beverage. That’s all it takes to beat the heat on those hot days. Be aware of opening up the basement windows on humid days. The moist air causes condensation on cool surfaces which will ultimately raise the humidity in your home.
The few cost saving tactics will suffice in keeping you cool and your electricity bills down. When you are using your air conditioner makes sure it’s well maintained. Feel free to use the AC when your home but try turning it off at night or when you’re gone for extended periods of time. If you have questions on how to keep your home cool feel free to ask Mihalko’s. We’ve been serving the Johnstown PA, Latrobe PA and Altoona PA area for over 34 years.
