Is it hot enough for you yet?  With highs to reach triple digits, what are some things you can do to make sure you stay cool in your home?  Can those things help you save money on your electricity bill?  Some things are obvious and others are not.

If you have read any of my other articles, you know the most common things would be:

1. To increase insulation to proper levels
2. To reduce air leaks to keep the cool air in and hot air out.
3. To make sure your ducts are properly sealed.

These three things alone will greatly increase the comfort levels in your home while reducing your utility costs.

What are some of the not so obvious thing that can be done inexpensively?

1. Change the air filter.
2. Have your A/C serviced.
3. Turn on ceiling fans.
4. Add low-e film to your windows.
5. Close the blinds.
6. Drink lots of water.

If your air filter is really dirty, it will block air flow.  Reducing air flow means less cold air coming out of the vents and makes your system work harder, costing you more money.  If you have your HVAC system serviced regularly, the system is more likely to operate at peak performance and less likely to break down.  Lose an A/C system in the middle of summer and you will pay a premium to replace it.  Also, moving air is cooler air (at least your brain perceives it as that), so use ceiling fans to better circulate the air.  Don’t forget to turn them off when you are gone, they run on electricity you know.

Low-e films block solar heat gain, which keeps the house cooler.  While it costs about $100/window, it’s a lot cheaper than new windows and you only need to apply it to the windows that get direct sunlight through them.  If you don’t even want to spend the money on the low-e film, then close your blinds or curtains during the day to reduce solar heat gain.

Finally, heat makes us perspire, which is our bodies own natural A/C.  Make sure to drink a lot of water to keep that A/C running properly.  Dehydration can even set in when your activities are minimal and the side effects can be deadly.

What are some of the things you do to keep cool during the hot months?  Please leave those comments or questions below or you can contact me at JonL@theNRGguy.com, through Facebook, or my website.  Stay cool until next time and….. don’t throw money at your problems, throw knowledge, it’s a lot cheaper.