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By
06/29/2007
Here is a tip I've used for years.
After the sun is off the south facing side of the house (or where you get the most sun) take the hose (or a bucket) and hose off the area closest to the house. If your house has good siding you can also spray the house and roof. Be sure to close the windows first. Next hose off any concrete or other paved areas next to the house.
Open your windows after the sun has gone down. This should bring down the inside temp as much as 10 degrees. If you've got the heat wave of all heat waves going on repeat in the AM and if possible at noon.
Note: if you also have a water shortage...try using water you 'save' from washing, or in a rain barrel. Your plants will thank you too.
By
06/28/2007
I'd ask your HVAC guy about turning the AC off when you leave. We used to do that, but our guy (when we lived in NC) told us that the system uses more energy to cool and dehumidify the house than it uses to keep the temperature and humidity stable. There wasn't a huge difference in the utility bills, but it was slightly less, and it was more pleasant coming home to a comfortable house - I set the AC at 80 - versus being uncomfortably hot (sometimes in the 90's) and sticky humid.
By Linda Smyth (Guest Post)
06/27/2007
Buy a reputable brand. We had a TV investigation done on some of the brands that are coming out of China and they claim to be a certain star rating for energy efficiency but they were tested and found to be wrong.
We need to be sure of the product and of the company that makes them. You may save some money in the short term but you pay for it in electricity bills.
Buyer beware!
By
06/27/2007
Using an exhaust fan to pull in the cool night air rather than running AC all night saves money.
Thick curtains that are made to reflect heat help also, especially on the east side in the morning and the west in the afternoon.
Keeping the outside unit in the shade helps it to be more efficient too!
Using "dehumidifier" setting rather than AC cools things down more than you would expect. At least, you feel cooler with less humidity.
I agree about the box fan; I use one in the winter to blow the heat around as well!
Cantate
By
06/27/2007
If you have ceiling fans then use those too along with the a/c and the other fans in the room.
Zig
By
07/18/2005
Instead of using your air conditioner when it is very hot, just purchase a large, square fan and have it blowing right in front of you, I'm talking within 2-3 feet. This works particularly well at night when you're in just one position for a long time and don't have to walk around. It works incredibly well and saves you a bundle! Works well if you are just sitting in one spot watching tv, too.
By Camille
By
07/18/2005
A $15.00 box fan will help move the window a/c air around and save the cost of a second window unit.
Sandra
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