Inexpensive Ways to Beat the Heat

Summer is here and it's hotthere's no getting around it. While many people live in regions where they must use an air conditioner for fear of melting away, there's no need to have it running full blast. Sure, central air feels great, but it is energy intensive and typically relies on ozone-damaging fluorocarbons to run. If you fear an outrageous electric bill and want to do more for the environment, a few strategic home improvements could help you cut back on your energy consumption and make your home more eco-friendly. Consider these solutions to minimize your reliance on AC and help you chillat the same time:

Block the Sun:
Your first defense against the summer heat is to keep your home as insulated from the hot sun as possible. Although it might be tempting to keep the windows and doors open to make the most of a slight breeze, your windows let in a large amount of heat. Simply cover them with blinds, shutters or drapes  to trap the cool air and keep the heat on the other side. Awnings and patio overheads can also be helpful on the West and South-facing sides of the house where the sun is most intense.

Use Fans:
Installing ceiling fans and using portable desk fans are a cost-effective ways to stay cool and save money. For very hot days, set your air conditioner to a minimal setting and the fans will help circulate the air and keep your home's temperature low.

Consider Solar Screens:
Solar screens  are another excellent way to shade a window. Solar screens are attached to the outside of the window and block the heat of the sun better than curtains or blinds. Although this eco-friendly solution might cost several hundred dollars to install, the screens will help save money on energy costs in the long run.

Get Better Insulation:
If your home's attic isn't already insulated, or it's insulated poorly, put this at the top of your home improvement list. The insulation will help reduce the loss of conditioned air in the summer and heat in the winter. Also, use caulk and weather stripping around all doors and windows to protect against drafts.

Schedule wisely:
Household chores and beauty regimens can't be avoided, but doing them at the right time of day can significantly reduce your energy consumption. Cut back on mid-day laundry, showering, and cooking to help reduce the amount of warm, moist air being circulated around your home. When you do these activities, turn on a ventilation fan to extract the warm air out of living spaces.