Keeping a Home Cool Without Paying for Air Conditioning

May 31, 2010
Susan Brown

Cheap Ways to Stay Cool in Summer - kakisky

Here are some low cost ways to keep a house or an apartment cool this summer. Beat the heat with these money saving tips.

With rising energy costs and tighter household budgets keeping a home cool without paying for air conditioning is fast becoming a necessity.

Though it may seem challenging to keep the summer heat away, the good news is that there are several, low-cost tips and strategies to help home owners and renters keep themselves cool this summer even in the hottest of climates.

How to Prevent the Outside Heat from Coming In

There are several ways to keep the outside heat from entering a home. The first rule of thumb to keep in mind is that the hottest part of the day is between 10:00 am. to 2:00 pm. because that is when the sun is at its strongest. Here are a few cheap ways to block out the summer heat:

Close any windows and doors that are exposed to the sun and make sure to pull down any curtains, shades and blinds.
Add inexpensive heat-reflecting film or tinting to any windows with a westerly or southerly exposure. Home owners should try, however, to get the kinds of tinting that can roll up and down or be removed so as to maximize the sun's heat during the winter months.
Add window awnings, patio covers, or overhangs to shade big French doors or regular sliding glass doors.
Planting deciduous trees, large bushes, or even vines on the southern and western sides of a home can dramatically reduce the internal temperature by providing shade from the sun.
Home owners should make sure that their houses are properly insulated. This will reduce the transfer of heat through the roof and walls. Pay particular attention to the attic, since a lot of heat is generated near the roof.

How to Maintain Cool Air Inside the House Without Air Conditioning

Keeping the outside heat from coming in to a house or apartment may help prevent the residence from heating up, but one must also work with the air on the inside in order to feel cool. There are several ways to also ensure that the air inside of a home stays cool and comfortable:

Take advantage of cool summer nights by opening windows and doors and then closing them early the next morning. A strategically placed window fan can also help to pull the cool air into the house.
Good air circulation is vital to keeping a home cool during the summer. The best and cheapest way to help the air flow is to install window and ceiling fans. A well-placed fan can cool a room by 5 to 7 degrees! But home owners should make sure to adjust the ceiling fan blades so they direct air downward for summer.
Those who live in a low-humidity climate may want to purchase an evaporative water cooler. It is much cheaper to purchase and run than a traditional air conditioning unit, and it does a pretty decent job of cooling a room down.
Cut down on the humidity levels within a home by minimizing showering, bathing, washing clothes, cooking during the hottest part of the day. Make sure to also turn on ventilation fans in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room to help reduce the moisture levels.
Avoid using heat-generating appliances, such as the oven, hair dryer and the clothes dryer during the hottest part of the day.
Close the doors in rooms that are not used- especially if these rooms are particularly hot.

Maintaining a Lower Body Temperature Makes One Feel Cooler

There are many ways to keep body temperature down as the heat gets turned up and thus feel cooler:

First and foremost, homeowners should make sure to stay hydrated by drinking water or juice and eating fresh fruits and salads. Try to avoid alcohol, as well as overly sweetened or caffeinated drinks since they are all diuretics that can quickly make one dehydrated.
One's head and feet release a tremendous amount of body heat. Upon entering the house, one should take off any hat and shoes.
Eat lighter meals during the day.
Take cool baths or showers or go for a swim in the pool (if there is one). Dampened washcloths and skin moisturizers can also leave a person feeling refreshed.
Wear light, loose fitting cotton or linen clothing.

Money Saving Tips on Using the Air conditioning

Those who own an air conditioning unit can maximize its use while keeping the cost low. Consider the following tips:

Use programmable thermostats and time switches to regulate the air conditioning in the living space.
Make sure that the air conditioning unit is well maintained, especially if the equipment is old
Check to see if the air conditioning condenser is located in a shady spot.
Seal any leaks or cracks in the house. Pay particular attention to windows, doors, plumbing, chimneys, and dryer vents.

In short, with a little planning and foresight, home owners and renters can keep away the heat this summer.