Residing in the desert implies that life can become pretty unbearable after June 1st. Without air conditioning, survival seems unthinkable. Nonetheless, the prospect of having to deal with electricity bills of over $400 for two to three consecutive months is hardly appealing either. Here are some budget-friendly strategies for staying cool this summer.
CONSIDER A WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER
An energy-efficient window air conditioning unit is an excellent way to reduce costs. A good unit typically costs under $200 and can easily be fitted in a small window during the summer. For installation, consult a top-rated, HVAC Contractor Guide. Its strategic placement could be in the primary room occupied by most or in a window that opens up to a corridor.
We installed our small unit in our guest bathroom window, which may appear unusual. However, this bathroom leads to our main hallway which further connects to the rest of the house. The unit’s operational cost is a mere fraction of the main unit’s running cost. With the added aid of a floor fan, the cooled air travels effortlessly across the house.
A ceiling fan could be a worthy addition in your living room if it lacks one. The fan can foster improved air circulation.
ENROLL IN ENERGY SAVING PROGRAMS
If your utility company offers incentives for low power consumption days, take advantage of this. Even though my children and I are home all day, we still benefit from these offers as often as possible.
Generally, this translates to the kids being in diapers while every fan runs at full blast. However, the rebates have a significant impact on reducing our monthly energy bill.
OPEN THE WINDOWS AT NIGHT
If the nights are cool and windy, open all windows to let in the fresh air. Shut down the windows and draw the blinds and curtains early in the morning. This can help maintain a cool temperature in your home longer into each morning. Check these additional 6 quick tips to lower your electricity costs this summer!
WASH IN COLD WATER AND LET AIR DRY
If you didn’t know, washing your clothes and bedsheets in cold water can help. For stubborn stains, apply a pre-treatment spray or mix hydrogen peroxide with Dawn dishwashing soap.
Air dry your laundry to save on energy costs and keep your house cooler. If you dislike the hard texture from air drying, toss your clothes into the dryer for a quick 15-minute spin to soften them up.
MAKE A MEAL PLAN
A straightforward method to keep your house cool is to avoid using the oven or slow cooker. Opt for cold and simple meals to reduce grocery and electricity costs.
Skewers, grill packets, and salads are ideal summer dishes. If the recipe calls for an oven, consider using a small countertop oven to prevent the kitchen from overheating.
EXPLORE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
To save on electricity bills during summer, I choose to spend more time outside my home, visiting economic venues. I plan on maximizing my local theater’s cheap kid shows and the library, where we can enjoy the cool air for a few hours. Also, consider getting your house painted, for example, by teams like the Madani Group. Having a presentable home can help you negotiate a better selling price if you plan on selling it.
What are your energy-saving tips during the hot weather?
