7 Ways to Keep Cool in Summer

by Robin Roenker

It takes just a few hot summer days to demonstrate what a wonderful invention central air conditioning is. But that wonderfulness has a price, because utility companies charge a premium for BTUs in summer. Spend as little as possible on summer AC with these seven tips.

1. Program your thermostat. By installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat, you can save around 10 percent a year on your energy bills — without sacrificing comfort. A programmable thermostat keeps your AC running on high only during the four or five peak hours a day while you’re awake and at home. Using pre-set timers, you can turn back the AC to allow the house to get a bit warmer at night or while you’re at work. It’s good for the environment and your wallet.
2. Use fans. Use ceiling fans to help circulate air throughout your home. The cooling breeze these fans generate allow most people to comfortably turn back their AC settings by 3-5 degrees in the summertime — resulting in significant savings on your utility bill. For further savings, consider installing a whole-house fan, which could replace your AC at night by drawing cooler outside air in through open windows.
3. Keep your attic cool. The temperate of your attic has a direct effect on the temperature of your home. Make sure you’re not overworking your AC to heat attic space, rather than your living space. Insulate attic floors and walls using materials rated at least R-30. Install attic fans to help vent and cool the space. And use caulk to seal off gaps around attic entrance points, skylights and home vents so cooled air from your living space stays where you want it, rather than leaking up into the attic.
4. Plant trees. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the net cooling effect of a healthy tree planted near your home is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours per day. Plant trees on the south and west sides of your yard for the greatest effect at blocking the sun.
5. Sun-proof your windows. Keep the heat of the summer sun from radiating right through your window panes by installing block-out shades or drapes that can be pulled closed during the hottest parts of the day — especially on your south- and west-facing windows. For even greater protection, consider installing outside awnings above windows directly in the sun. Replace outdated single-pane windows with newer, energy-efficient double-pane, gas-filled windows with low-e coating. Look for windows coded for a solar heat gain of less than 0.40 (a rating that means the window will only transport 40 percent or less of the solar heat from the sun).
6. Keep humidity in check. The higher the humidity in your home, the harder your body has to work to cool off. Keep humidity in your home set at about 45 percent by running humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed. Use portable units near forced-air hearing, ventilating or AC systems, or install a whole-house system.
7. Reduce internal heat sources. The heat from all those appliances, electronics and lamps can really add up. Only use lights when you need them and replace traditional light bulbs with compact fluorescents, which emit less heat. Turn off TVs, computers and other electronics when not in use. And, if possible, avoid clothes washing and drying and cooking on your oven or range during the hottest parts of the day. Save those activities for later at night, when temperatures outside are cooler and your AC won’t have to work so hard to counter the heat your dryer and stove are producing.

Freelance writer Robin Roenker thinks lemonade and a porch swing are the best ways to stay cool in the summertime.