During the sweltering summer months, leaving your air conditioner on all day can lead to a hefty spike in your energy bills. Here are some ways to keep your home cool without cranking the AC 24/7:
1. Stay hydrated
When you’re feeling overheated and uncomfortable, drinking water is the first and most important step to cooling down, according to Wendell Porter, senior lecturer in agricultural and biological engineering at the University of Florida.
He adds that the temperature of the water doesn’t matter because your body will warm it up. If your body is hot and needs to cool itself, it can’t do that without adequate hydration, since the body cools itself by sweating.
2. Opt for airy fabrics
The fabrics you have in your home can have a direct impact on its temperature, so avoid materials like velvet that trap a lot of heat. If your couch is leather, it’s especially important to cover it with a lighter fabric. Leather is one of the worst offenders when it comes to holding heat, so it’s not the best choice for summer. If you have area rugs, consider putting them away until the cooler months hit.
In warmer months, your best bet is to stick with lightweight fabrics that will help keep your home feeling cooler. Breathable fabrics include linen and cotton.
Cotton is one of the most breathable materials, so a cotton blanket or sheet set can help you stay cool throughout the night.
3. Cover your windows
If you have windows that get direct sunlight from morning until evening, “keep the blinds or curtains closed to block the sun from directly heating up your home,” Porter says.
During the hottest part of the day, it’s essential to keep your curtains and blinds drawn. This will block sunlight from coming in and heating up your home. Once the outside temperature cools down, you can open your curtains to let some natural light in.
4. Open and close doors strategically
During hot parts of the day, close off unused rooms in your home to prevent cool air from escaping into those spaces and going to waste. Once the sun goes down and the temperature outside is cooler, open up your doors to take advantage of natural air flow.
5. Mop your floors in the morning
Another trick that can help cool things down and create a more refreshing environment inside your home is to mop your floors first thing in the morning. A little bit of cold water can go a long way to making your home feel more comfortable.
6. Install a ceiling fan
While air conditioning has become a staple in homes these days, overusing it can lead to a number of health issues. Instead, consider installing a ceiling fan in your home. These fans help circulate air throughout a room and can help lower the temperature by a few degrees.
7. Bring in some plants
Courtesy of Đời sống Pháp luật