Keep your cool
by Heather on March 24, 2007
Heather says:
I know some of our northern readers won’t need this advice until July, but down here in the South, Spring showed up and her friend Summer tagged along. I don’t know about you, but I (and Tennessee Mom and Blonde Mom) refuse to turn on the air conditioner on before April.
Here are a few tips to help cut your cooling bill.
Open your windows wide during the coolest parts of the day to let the breeze in. If you have a whole house fan, utilize it.
During daylight hours close blinds and curtains to the windows that receive the most sunlight. Shut the windows during the hottest part of the day. Reopen them as the sun sets.
Ceiling fans should be utilized in occupied rooms, to help circulate cooler air most fans should turn in a counter-clockwise motion as viewed from below. Consult the owners manual, as the angle of the blades may make the previous statement inaccurate.
Avoid using the stove, oven, dryer, and dishwasher between 10am and 5pm. Crockpots or roasting ovens (set on a screened in porch, if possible) can be a lifesaver. Turn off any appliances not in use, computers and othe electronic equipment create a lot of heat.
Keep yourself hydrated, your own cooling mechanisms cannot work without enough water.
Finally, don’t forget to make sure your pets have plenty of fresh water and access to adequate shade. If your area suffers from a heatwave take a moment and check on elderly neighbors.
Photo credit Katmere
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I tried so hard the other day to NOT turn on the air conditioner but I finally caved! Then it took 4 hours for the temperature in our house to drop FOUR degrees! Ridiculous! We’re keeping the windows open and the fans going for awhile longer.
Hot Flashes.
Air is on …
Ivy, I’m waiting for the old joke
It’s not just you Southerners. Even I, a poor Floridian trapped in Minnecrapolis, am dealing with warmer than usual weather. It’s supposed to get up to 71 here today.