In Canada, even though we’re known for our cold winters with lots of snow, we still can get sweltering summers. When the sun beats down, and the house warms up, your first instinct is likely to turn up the AC to cool everything down. You’ll know that method works when you stop sweating, and when you get your next power bill in the mail.
Turning up the AC will rack up your electrical bill really quickly. If you don’t want to pay more but prefer not to sweat when you’re sitting in your home, then it’s time to look for different ways to cool your house in the summer. Try one of the following five ideas below.
Close the Blinds
If the sun is shining into your home, it’s going to warm it up. It’s nice to let the sunshine in throughout the day and enjoy the benefits from it. However, when it’s above 30 degrees outside in the middle of the afternoon, that sun will sure warm up your house.
Close the blinds to block out the sun and subsequently its heat. Especially for windows that face the sun in the afternoon, keeping the blinds closed will help prevent how much heat enters your home. Blackout curtains will work the best.
Use a Fan
Sometimes all we need is to circulate the sitting air around our house. Instead of relying on the AC to do that, have a fan. If you work from home and find the afternoons unbearable, a little fan on your desk will blow enough air in your direction to cool you off.
Want more than circulation? Using this trick can turn your fan into a mini air conditioner. Put a bowl of ice in front of the fan, so it blows the coolness towards you.
Open Windows in the Evening
As the sun sets so too (typically) does the temperature. When this happens, it’s the perfect time to open any windows and skylights you have in your home to let in fresh, cool air. On days that are colder than normal, you can do the same thing. Plus, not only will it cool your home, you get to enjoy the benefits of fresh air in your home.
Turn Your Ceiling Fan Counter-Clockwise
Did you know the direction of your ceiling fan can change the feeling of the air? When you turn it counter-clockwise and put it at high speed, the airflow turns into a wind-like breeze that will cool the room below. So, if you have a ceiling fan, keep it and crank it up in the summer.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated isn’t just essential for your health, but it can also help keep you relatively cool. Drinking icy-cold drinks can help keep your temperature at a tolerable level. Just like you would grab a hot cup of hot chocolate on a frigidly cold day, grab that cool glass of water (add some fruit to infuse it for an extra taste) to cool you down.
If you’re trying to save money and conserve energy, turning up the AC in the summer should be your last resort. Try using these hacks first to keep yourself and your house cool when the sun is at its hottest.
