The summer heat can take a toll on your wallet if you’re not careful. With temperatures soaring, your air conditioning bill climbs right along with the mercury. The kids want endless cold drinks and treats to beat the heat. And you just want to stay comfortable without breaking the bank.
The good news is there are lots of ways to save money when temperatures rise. With a little planning and creativity, you can survive the dog days of summer while keeping your budget intact. Here are 9 tips for saving money during extreme heat:
1. Set Your Thermostat Higher
One of the easiest ways to lower your electricity bills in summer is to keep your thermostat set at a higher temperature. Set it to 78°F or higher during the day when no one is home. You can lower it by a few degrees when everyone is home and wants to be cooler. But keep it at 76-78°F, not 72°F like you might in other seasons. Just those few degrees can amount to big savings over the entire summer.
2. Use Fans and Ventilation
Fans help circulate the air and make it feel cooler than it really is. Run ceiling paddle fans on medium or high speed to create a cooling breeze. Placing box fans near open windows or doors can pull in cooler outdoor air at night. And running bathroom or kitchen vent fans when cooking, showering, or doing laundry helps remove excess heat and humidity.
3. Cook Outside on a Grill or Camp Stove
On really hot days, cooking inside heats up the house. Take it outside and fire up the grill, use a camp stove, or plug in an outdoor electric griddle instead. Outdoor cooking prevents all that heat from getting trapped inside your home. And you can enjoy dining al fresco when the weather cooperates.
4. Dry Clothes Outside
Clothes dryers generate a lot of heat and humidity. On warm, sunny days let Mother Nature dry your clothes for free. Hang laundry outside to take advantage of the sun and breeze. Your clothes will smell fresh, and you won’t heat up the house running a dryer.
5. Seal Air Leaks and Add Insulation
One of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency is by sealing air leaks and adding more insulation. Start by using caulk and weather stripping to seal gaps and cracks around doors and windows. Then consider adding insulation to the attic, walls, and floors if needed. A well-insulated home stays cooler and reduces AC costs.
6. Use Appliances Strategically
Run heat-generating appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines at night when it’s cooler. Cook on an outdoor grill instead of the stove. Hand wash dishes and hang clothes to dry when possible. And microwave instead of using the oven. Planning appliance use carefully can minimize waste heat.
7. Swap Out Light Bulbs
Replace any incandescent light bulbs with LEDs. They use at least 75% less energy and produce far less heat while still brightening your home. Installing LEDs in fixtures that get heavy use will keep things cooler while also lowering your electricity bill.
8. Keep Blinds and Curtains Closed
During the hottest part of the day, keep windows covered. Blinds, curtains and drapes help block the sun’s rays and reduce heat radiating through the glass. For even more insulation, install thermal curtains designed to trap cold air and keep out heat. Close windows and coverings early in the morning before the effects of the hot sun begin.
9. Use Landscaping for Shade
Position trees, shrubs, patio covers, awnings, or shade sails to block direct sunlight on the windows and roof. Shading outdoor AC units can boost their efficiency too. Strategically placed landscaping creates cooler zones around your home, giving your AC a break from the blazing sun.
Beating the summer heat doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. With some smart planning and money-saving tips, you can keep your cool while keeping cash in your wallet. Stay comfortable, save energy, and reduce your utility bills during extreme heat with these creative ideas. The whole family will appreciate the refreshed indoor climate and lower spending.
