Keeping Cooling Costs Down

We all look forward to it…the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.   We dream of days on the beach or going camping…all the fun activities of the outdoors.  What we tend to forget about is the intense heat that can come along with those summer months.

It is of course tempting to stay inside with the air conditioner cranked up…and then the power bill comes.  As electrical rates continue to be on the rise, running the air conditioner all of the time can cost precious dollars your family needs.

Keeping the sun from coming directly in your house, especially between one and four P.M. will keep the cool air in your home more contained.  These hours are generally the hottest part of the day, so you want the curtains drawn.   Keep fans low to the ground as heat rises and the lower areas of the home will be cooler.  After all, you don’t want hot air blowing around!

When you do use the air conditioner, start as early as possible to get the air in the home cooler…especially if you have a window unit.  Once the home is cooled down, you can turn the air conditioner off and circulate the cooler air with fans…keeping your utility costs down.   If you have central air, check into getting a programmable thermostat.  This will make it easier to set cooling times for when they are most needed.

If you have an infant at home, it is of course important to keep the temperature as comfortable as possible.  If you cannot use air conditioning, fill a bowl or small tub with ice.   Place a small fan directly in front of the ice and tilt it upward toward the crib.  This will bring the cool air towards them and is very effective.

Of course, always make sure there is plenty of water on hand…keeping the body at a comfortable temperature requires hydration.   And sweat proudly!  While it may be annoying, it is the body’s natural way of cooling down…so don’t sweat the sweat!

There’s no need to dread the heat if you keep these simple things in mind…so enjoy your summer!

By Angela Sangster,  Copyright SaveMoneySpot 2010

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