It can be exceedingly hot here in Texas for weeks on end. Record highs over 100, high humidity in some areas and very little rain in others can make for a blistering summer that sometimes starts in June and runs till October. All that makes you use the A/C more than you want to and that runs up your bills as rates are higher during high demand times.
So how do we keep cool without emptying our bank account? There are
several ways that will work. If you have central A/C, set your temp up
higher. It might not be as comfortable but will save you money. If you
have a programmable thermostat, use it and set the temp up to 90 degrees
F when you will not be at home, why waste all that energy and money when no one is there to enjoy it?
The next thing you can do is utilize fans. They are vastly underrated in my
opinion, I couldn't live without them, all year long. There are table top
models, they come in a variety of sizes, are usually metal or plastic and
they oscillate. Oscillating fans will help keep the air moving and moving
air is what makes you feel cooler even if the temperature is high. This type
of fan is also available in a pedestal form. Most types will have 2 or 3
speeds and usually have a switch to keep them from oscillating if you prefer.
A box fan is my all time favorite kind of fan. Again, these will have 2-3 speeds and are usually made of a metal frame with plastic grids and blades. I also call them window fans as they fit nicely in a window to either draw in or push
out the air depending on what you need. But be WARNED, do not leave
them in the window if it is raining as it will kill the motor if it gets wet and
could cause an electrical fire hazard.
And then there are ceiling fans. Some people love them, others hate them,
but they do cool the room and help keep it warmer in winter if you utilize
the directional switch, clockwise for winter, counterclockwise for summer.
These come with or without light kits ,some have remote controls or work
on a wall switch. 5 bladed fans work better than 3 or 4 bladed ones and a
30 degree tilt on the blade is excellent.
All fans will help to keep you cool and use a lot less energy than the A/C
unit. You do however need to keep them clean. Most fans come apart
easily for cleaning and make sure your pieces are dry before putting it
back together and turning it on.
An old trick is to put a block of ice or a bowl of ice in front of the fan to
cool the room. The same principle is used by the outdoor water mister
fans. Another old trick is to sleep under a damp sheet or to dampen your
clothing. This, of course, is for times you are home with just the family
about. Cotton and other natural clothing in a light weight is the best as
it breathes and absorbs sweat. Cool showers several times a day do
wonders. I can attest to these as I have spent weeks without electricity
in high heat and humidity after hurricanes have come through the Houston area. I also lived for 9 years in the Houston area without any A/C, just fans.
Drop by next week for more frugal tips on saving money in the summer heat.
It can be exceedingly hot here in Texas for weeks on end. Record highs over 100, high humidity in some areas and very little rain in others can make for a blistering summer that sometimes starts in June and runs till October. All that makes you use the A/C more than you want to and that runs up your bills as rates are higher during high demand times.
So how do we keep cool without emptying our bank account? There are
several ways that will work. If you have central A/C, set your temp up
higher. It might not be as comfortable but will save you money. If you
have a programmable thermostat, use it and set the temp up to 90 degrees
F when you will not be at home, why waste all that energy and money when no one is there to enjoy it?
The next thing you can do is utilize fans. They are vastly underrated in my
opinion, I couldn't live without them, all year long. There are table top
models, they come in a variety of sizes, are usually metal or plastic and
they oscillate. Oscillating fans will help keep the air moving and moving
air is what makes you feel cooler even if the temperature is high. This type
of fan is also available in a pedestal form. Most types will have 2 or 3
speeds and usually have a switch to keep them from oscillating if you prefer.
A box fan is my all time favorite kind of fan. Again, these will have 2-3 speeds and are usually made of a metal frame with plastic grids and blades. I also call them window fans as they fit nicely in a window to either draw in or push
out the air depending on what you need. But be WARNED, do not leave
them in the window if it is raining as it will kill the motor if it gets wet and
could cause an electrical fire hazard.
And then there are ceiling fans. Some people love them, others hate them,
but they do cool the room and help keep it warmer in winter if you utilize
the directional switch, clockwise for winter, counterclockwise for summer.
These come with or without light kits ,some have remote controls or work
on a wall switch. 5 bladed fans work better than 3 or 4 bladed ones and a
30 degree tilt on the blade is excellent.
All fans will help to keep you cool and use a lot less energy than the A/C
unit. You do however need to keep them clean. Most fans come apart
easily for cleaning and make sure your pieces are dry before putting it
back together and turning it on.
An old trick is to put a block of ice or a bowl of ice in front of the fan to
cool the room. The same principle is used by the outdoor water mister
fans. Another old trick is to sleep under a damp sheet or to dampen your
clothing. This, of course, is for times you are home with just the family
about. Cotton and other natural clothing in a light weight is the best as
it breathes and absorbs sweat. Cool showers several times a day do
wonders. I can attest to these as I have spent weeks without electricity
in high heat and humidity after hurricanes have come through the Houston area. I also lived for 9 years in the Houston area without any A/C, just fans.
Drop by next week for more frugal tips on saving money in the summer heat.
No comments:
Post a Comment