BOSTON -- By now, the specter of the long, snowy New England winter is finally faded and we've seen our share of some really warm weather. Now it's time to actually start strategizing about keeping the house cool this summer.
Whether or not you have central air conditioning will largely determine how you keep your home cool. Smaller window units simply lack the capacity to cool an entire house the way central air can. But there are some other simple tips that can keep your house cool, which can reduce the workload of whatever type of air conditioning system you have and also help you save on your energy bill. Here are just a few:
• Time your chores. If possible, wait until evening to run appliances that generate additional heat, like the dishwasher and washer and dryer. No matter how hot the daylight hours become, nighttime usually brings a drop in temperature that makes it more bearable to run appliances indoors.
• Cook outdoors. Using ovens, toaster ovens, and even stovetop burners can result in added heat in the kitchen. Strategize your meal plan for hot days and grill food outdoors or create some tasty but satisfying no-cook meals like salads and sandwiches.
• Cool it at night. By keeping the house closed up during the day, the heat and humidity will stay at bay. Open windows and use ventilation fans at night to vent heat from the day and bring in cooler evening temperatures.
• Use ceiling fans. Fans can keep air circulating throughout the house. The breeze generated by ceiling fans can cause air to feel several degrees cooler than.
• Make the most of your air conditioner. If your air conditioner is older, consider having it serviced. You might want to think about installing a newer, high-efficiency model that will cost less to run. If you use window units, verify that they carry the right amount of power for the space you are trying to cool. Units that reduce humidity are more effective than those that simply cool an area. And make sure that you clean units regularly – buildup can reduce efficiency.
• Keep it shady. Shade trees planted strategically around your house can keep the barrage of harsh sunlight at bay. And in terms of interior shades, white mini-blinds or window shades can also keep sunlight from overwhelming your rooms. If interior shades aren't enough, you might consider installing an awning over windows that collect the most direct sunlight.
Some of these tips may seem intuitive, but you might be surprised by how many homeowners don't take the time to employ strategies to maximize summer cooling. With the hottest months of the year directly ahead, it's worth a little effort now so that you will be prepared when the mercury soars.
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