How To Keep Cool In The Intense Summer Heat

As the weather continues to get hotter, homeowners will begin to look for ways to keep their homes as cool as possible. While it would be nice to be able to crank that air conditioner up, you also have to think about the utility bill that accompanies it. So, to stay cool and conserve energy at the same time, here are four tips:

1. Install Ceiling Fans

If your home does not currently have ceiling fans, install them in as many rooms as you can. If your home does have ceiling fans, you want to make sure that the blades are clean and that the fans are set to circulate air counter-clockwise. According to the Department of Energy, when using ceiling fans, you can raise your air conditioning thermostat temperature approximately four degrees without reducing your comfort.

2. Spritz Yourself with Peppermint Oil

When trying to stay cool, water seems to always do the trick. You may want to pour a bottle of water over your head or simply spritz yourself using a spray bottle. However, you can go above and beyond just water in your spray bottle for an improved cooling effect. Peppermint oil is cooling to the skin, so during the warmer months, add some peppermint oil (or even peppermint leaves) to a spray bottle, along with water, and spritz yourself whenever you need to cool down.

3. Close the Curtains

So many times, homeowners will leave their curtains open during the day to allow sunlight to enter into the home. While the sunlight can be beneficial, especially for those with depression, it doesn't help when it comes to staying cool and keeping energy costs down during the summer. So, make sure that you keep those curtains closed to deflect the sunlight. Now, if you don't like dark rooms or if they depress you, consider simply opening curtains in the rooms that you are in and closing them when you leave.

4. Plant Shade Trees

Planting trees in strategic locations is something that you can do outside that will help keep the interior of your home cooler. Deciduous trees that are planted to shade your South- and West-facing windows can help reduce the load on your air conditioning unit and keep your home much cooler during the summer months. And, if you choose native trees, you won't have to maintain them as often, since they will be best-suited for your climate and soil. 

In addition to the aforementioned tips, it is also a good idea to get your air conditioning unit serviced before the weather gets too warm or before you have to use your A/C unit too often. Contact a local HVAC expert at a company like Bishop Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, Inc. to schedule an appointment. 

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