Cool down your house & save money against the heat season

As summer approaches, temperatures rise, and we’ve recently experienced record-breaking heat waves across the US. Due to global warming, we expect these conditions to continue throughout the summer.

The rise in temperature not only affects our daily lives but also our wallets.

The extreme heat we've been experiencing has led many people to keep their air conditioners running 24/7. This fact  can later be reflected on the electricity bill, and scare the Bejesus out of anyone. So, what can we do to save money during this hot season?

Don't worry, here are some short and long-term tips you can apply to save some bucks.

Short-term savings 

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To save on electricity 

• LED lights: Replace your traditional light bulbs with LED lights, which use less energy and have a longer lifespan, as they tend to consume 75-80% less energy compared to traditional lightning, in ranges of 8-12 Watts, instead of 60-watt incandescent light bulbs. 
• Avoid opening the fridge too often: When we take food out, we feel the cold air and might want to keep it open as long as possible, but resist the temptation, because not only will your electric bill rise, but you could also damage your fridge.
• Take out all the food you'll need when you start cooking; this way, you'll extend the lifespan of your fridge.
• Don't leave the air conditioning or fans on all the time: If you're going out and no one will be home, it's best to turn them off so you don't waste electricity. 
• Houseplants to keep your home cool: There are varieties of plants that help reduce the internal temperature of your home by absorbing heat and releasing moisture, besides bringing more life to your home. Some varieties include: 
• Rubber Trees 
• Boston Ferns 
• Areca Palms 
• Snake Plants

To save water

• Reuse your washing machine water: Use the first rinse water to wash your patio. The second rinse, which is soap-free, can be used to water the plants in your home or the trees outside.
• Take short showers: Reducing your shower time can save a significant amount of water, electricity, and gas over the month.

To save gas

• In the kitchen: When preparing your food, use pots and pans that are the right size for the amount of food and cover the pots to cook faster and use less gas. 
• Dryer: As much as possible, opt to hang your clothes in a sunny spot. This way, you'll reduce gas consumption.

Long-term measures

Much has been said about how, due to climate change, global temperatures will rise in the coming years, so it's time to think about long-term actions to protect your home and your wallet. 

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Invest in a good air conditioner

These are an excellent option to keep your home cool. Some technical specs you should take into consideration before buying air conditioning is:

• BTU/h: This stands for British Thermal Units per hour, and it determines how much energy you need to cool an area. Another thermal reference is refrigeration tons (RT, TR, or TOR); each RT is equal to 12,000 BTU/h. Remember this scale: for every 350 square feet (in an 8-foot high room), you’ll need 1 RT (12,000 BTU/h).
• SEER Ratings: some energy efficiency certifications can guide you into selecting a good air conditioner, While Energy Star certified equipments can be a good indicator, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) can guide you further to get an estimate of what you can afford and how much money will it help you save.
  
• Energy-saving technology: Research before investing in your next air conditioner, as some technologies can make a significant difference. 
• Inverter technology: which regulates the compressor's speed, leading to considerable savings for your wallet.
• Smart devices: a smart thermostat will make wonders for your energy usage, because you can program it to certain conditions and also syncs with other gadgets like smart speakers or even your phone to automate when it turns on, off and even takes the outside weather into consideration.

Thermal Insulation

These solutions come in different forms, whether as special panels, thermal insulation and waterproof coatings, or thermal insulation paint. 

They can lower the temperature by up to 10°F, and it's rumored that white is the best color to use.

Plant Trees Outside Your Home

Many cities lack sufficient space for trees, and the excess pavement can contribute to even higher temperatures. 

However, you can reduce the heat by planting trees and climbing plants, just make sure the trees you plant don't have invasive roots that could damage your pipes or sidewalks. 

Solar Panels

Solar energy is a renewable energy source that can significantly reduce electricity costs. Although the initial investment can be high, solar panels pay for themselves over time and provide clean, free energy. 

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Opt for appliances with energy efficiency certifications, which can reduce electricity and gas consumption. 

These appliances are designed to use fewer resources without compromising their performance, and you can also buy smart plugs and turn them off using an app on your phone.

Conclusion

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The rise in temperatures affects not only our comfort but also our personal finances. 

Taking both short and long-term measures to save on water, electricity, and gas is crucial to reducing our expenses and, importantly, protecting the environment.

From simple practices like reusing water and switching to LED lights to significant investments like solar panels and energy-efficient appliances, every action counts.

These improvements in your home will lower your expenses, help you stay cool, and also increase your home's value.

It's important that we adopt a culture of environmental care, not only for the good of our finances but for future generations.