Living expenses are becoming higher and higher these days, which may force you to adjust your monthly budget. During the hot summer months, the cost of cooling your home can be substantial. So, is there any way to lower these costs and help reduce your household bills?
There are a few, very simple, ways to keep your home a few degrees cooler during the hot months. The first thing you can do is keep blinds and curtains closed during the day on the west and south-facing windows, which will help lessen heat gains. If there is a sufficient drop in temperature during the evening and night hours, it is also a good idea to open your windows to let the home cool down naturally.
Something else that can reduce indoor temperatures is to turn off appliances and lights when they are not being used. You will be surprised how much heat these give off – every little bit helps when it comes to saving money.
Ceiling fans are another way to keep air circulating throughout the home, helping to reduce the temperature indoors. Awnings are also effective at keeping the home cool, especially when they are installed over windows and patio doors that face the sun. These options will mean an initial cost, but you will really notice the benefits over time.
If you are looking for long-term solutions and have the patience to wait for the full effect, then landscape shading may be something you should look into. Landscape shading is a technique that uses trees and plants to shade the home in just the right place and at just the right time.
