Five Ways to Stay Cool & Save Money
Filed under: Budgeting & Planning, Economizer, House & Home
There's a reason the last few days of summer are called the dog days. In this heat you just want to lie down in a shady spot and pant. Since you're not a collie or a labrador, your main concern is keeping cool in this late summer heatwave.
We're not going to tell you to turn off your air conditioner. What we are going to suggest is smarter use of your A/C. If you are on a meter, your hydro bill will have a 'time of use' chart indicating peak and low times. During the summer months (which lasts until October 31 according to Ontario Hydro ) peak time is between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you work, then turning off your air conditioner will help save some cash, but how do you keep your home cool during those hours if you don't work or work irregular hours?
Use Your Blinds
Blinds and curtains can really help keep your home cool. Hot days often come with bright sunshine but letting that sun into your home can heat up a room very quickly. If you have an east-facing or west-facing room, open your blinds or curtains to just enough to keep most of the direct light and heat out but to allow some natural light. According to BC Hydro, using your blinds can block out up to 65% of the heat that can come through windows. This method will keep your space cool even after you've turned off your A/C.
Draft-proof Your Home
Running your A/C will cost money, but a drafty home will cost you even more. if you haven't done it already, seal all the drafts. According to BC Hydro, this is one of the best ways to save money while keeping cool. It also works for heating during the winter months so start plugging those cracks!
Try a Fan
If you're reluctant to run your A/C or you don't have air conditioning in your home, try a fan. It could be a ceiling fan which will circulate air and make you feel cooler or it could be a table fan. Whatever model, fans will help cool you down and they don't draw as much energy as air conditioners. Just remember that fans draw air from their surroundings, so if the air is warm, the fan will blow hot air. A trick to try is to aim your fan towards a window. The fan's actions will draw the warm air out of the room and blow it outside.
Minimize Cooking Time
Adding heat to hot days just makes your home hotter so instead of slaving over a hot stove, try eating something cold or even barbecuing.
Enjoy the rest of summer!
Other top posts this week:
Save on Home Office Supplies from Dollarama
How to Have a Fun and Frugal Long Weekend
If you don't want a shock when you open your next hydro bill, why not try these tips to stay cool while keeping a few coins in your pocket?
We're not going to tell you to turn off your air conditioner. What we are going to suggest is smarter use of your A/C. If you are on a meter, your hydro bill will have a 'time of use' chart indicating peak and low times. During the summer months (which lasts until October 31 according to Ontario Hydro ) peak time is between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you work, then turning off your air conditioner will help save some cash, but how do you keep your home cool during those hours if you don't work or work irregular hours?
Use Your Blinds
Blinds and curtains can really help keep your home cool. Hot days often come with bright sunshine but letting that sun into your home can heat up a room very quickly. If you have an east-facing or west-facing room, open your blinds or curtains to just enough to keep most of the direct light and heat out but to allow some natural light. According to BC Hydro, using your blinds can block out up to 65% of the heat that can come through windows. This method will keep your space cool even after you've turned off your A/C.
Draft-proof Your Home
Running your A/C will cost money, but a drafty home will cost you even more. if you haven't done it already, seal all the drafts. According to BC Hydro, this is one of the best ways to save money while keeping cool. It also works for heating during the winter months so start plugging those cracks!
Try a Fan
If you're reluctant to run your A/C or you don't have air conditioning in your home, try a fan. It could be a ceiling fan which will circulate air and make you feel cooler or it could be a table fan. Whatever model, fans will help cool you down and they don't draw as much energy as air conditioners. Just remember that fans draw air from their surroundings, so if the air is warm, the fan will blow hot air. A trick to try is to aim your fan towards a window. The fan's actions will draw the warm air out of the room and blow it outside.
Minimize Cooking Time
Adding heat to hot days just makes your home hotter so instead of slaving over a hot stove, try eating something cold or even barbecuing.
Enjoy the rest of summer!
Other top posts this week:
Save on Home Office Supplies from Dollarama
How to Have a Fun and Frugal Long Weekend
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