July Blog: Smart Ways to Stay Cool This Summer (Without the High Energy Bill!)
Summer has arrived in full force—and it’s bringing all the classic vibes with it! Think: the sweet scent of freshly cut grass, the cheerful jingle of the ice cream truck, kids laughing outside, and yes… the constant hum of fans and air conditioners.
While I love almost everything about summer, that last one? Not so much—especially when the electric bill shows up. But don’t sweat it (literally)! I’ve picked up some clever cooling tricks from my Southern relatives that help keep things comfortable and cost-effective.
🪟 1. Keep the Heat Out with Curtains and Blinds
One of the easiest ways to cool your home is to block out the sun. Close your blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day. It’s a simple move that can reduce indoor temperatures and give your AC a break.
🌬️ 2. Use Fans Strategically & Set Ceiling Fans
If you have box or window fans, place them facing outward to push hot air out of your home. This creates a cross-breeze that draws cooler air in from outside. It’s a low-cost way to improve airflow and reduce indoor heat. Did you know you can rotate your ceiling fan to spin counter clockwise? This pushes the cool air downward, creating a wind-chill effect. Then In the winter, rotate the blades to spin clockwise to circulate the warm air up
🔄 3. Don’t Use Your Appliances
The oven puts out a lot of heat. Try to use other means of cooking if possible. There are so many recipes for air fryers today. Why not give them a try? Nothing tastes better than something from the grill, especially when your home isn’t overheating.
❄️ 4. Don’t Turn Off the AC—Adjust It Smartly
If you’re heading out for the day, don’t turn your air conditioner off completely. Instead, raise the thermostat a few degrees. It takes more energy to cool a hot house than to maintain a steady, slightly warmer temperature. Bonus tip: a programmable thermostat can do this for you automatically!
💡 Final Thoughts
With just a few smart tweaks, you can enjoy all the best parts of summer. Stay cool, stay savvy, and don’t forget to treat yourself to ice cream now and then. You’ve earned it!
From the desk of ……. Denise Griffin – Director of Development