As summer approaches and temperatures rise, energy bills often follow suit as air conditioners work overtime. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your home cool while maintaining energy efficiency and keeping costs manageable.
While air conditioning is a lifesaver during sweltering heat, it comes with environmental trade-offs. Air conditioners are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which exacerbate global warming and lead to more extreme heat waves. Scientists warn that temperatures are expected to rise annually, but you can strike a balance between staying comfortable and reducing environmental impact.
Here are 12 practical tips to help:
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Blocked vents and dirty filters hinder airflow, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Regularly cleaning the vents, filters, and ducts—or hiring a professional to do so—ensures smooth airflow, improving efficiency and lowering energy costs.
2. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Even if you handle basic cleaning yourself, it’s wise to have a professional inspect your air conditioning system. They can identify issues such as faulty wiring or poor airflow, helping prevent costly repairs later.
3. Maintain a Consistent Temperature
Avoid large temperature fluctuations during the day. Keeping the thermostat steady reduces strain on your air conditioner during peak heat hours.
4. Opt for a Higher Temperature
Setting the thermostat to around 70°F instead of lower temperatures can cut energy use by up to 20%. Lowering the temperature too much not only increases costs but also impacts the environment.
5. Turn It Off When Possible
Take advantage of cooler nights and breezy weather by turning off the air conditioner and opening windows. When no one is home, turn off the system or set it to a higher temperature (around 70°F) to conserve energy and give the unit a break.
6. Be Mindful of Peak Hours
Energy usage peaks in the afternoon and evening when temperatures are highest. Spend time at cooler spots, such as a local pool, lake, or air-conditioned public space, to reduce reliance on your air conditioner during these hours.
7. Close Windows During the Day
If you’ve enjoyed cool night breezes with open windows, remember to shut them in the morning to keep the rising heat out.
8. Block Out Sunlight
Closing blinds or curtains during the day can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your home, keeping your air conditioner from overworking.
9. Use Fans Alongside Your Air Conditioner
Ceiling fans are excellent for circulating cool air, allowing you to rely less on your air conditioner while maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.
10. Cook Strategically
Minimize the use of heat-producing appliances during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for microwave or slow cooker meals instead of using the oven. Alternatively, prepare cold dishes like salads or charcuterie boards to keep your home cool.
11. Improve Ventilation and Insulation
Proper insulation is key to efficient cooling. Seal any cracks or gaps, use weatherstripping, and ensure your attic or basement is well-insulated to prevent cool air from escaping.
12. Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Although smart thermostats require an upfront investment, their programmable features help optimize energy usage. They can adjust temperatures automatically while you’re away, ensuring efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
By adopting these tips, you can enjoy a cooler, more energy-efficient summer while keeping costs—and your environmental impact—in check.
Daddy Says It’s Time To Pray— Watch As Baby Girl Joins In Most Adorable Fashion
Most parents find it impossible to eat without their kids yapping and running around. But this kid touched our hearts with his impeccable table manners.
Millions of people have watched the 15-second video on YouTube. 38 million people reportedly watched a Facebook video that went viral.
In this video, the child is seen saying grace at the table with her family before supper.
Even though Eloise Invorvaia was only 20 months old at the time, she behaved better than most of us. Eloise is perfectly prepared to respond when her father signals that it is time to pray.
The first time the video was uploaded to YouTube was in 2016. The video was posted online by Liz and John Invorvaia, who were living in Indianapolis, Indiana at the time. The stunning family now makes their home in Waterville, Ohio. John oversees family ministries at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.
John made sure to clarify that they have to pray four or five times before each dinner because Eloise loves to pray. Quite a bit
There’s something so wonderful and endearing about this family tradition, and Eloise has won our hearts. The young child became so well-known that Fox News, The Ellen Show, and The Today Show all highlighted her.
Elizabeth and John said they are doing their best to teach their kids the right lessons when they appeared on Fox and Friends Weekend after the video’s release. John mentioned in his talk how consoling God’s love is always.
Eloise knew between 12 and 15 words at the time, her favorite being “Amen.” The toddler is obviously too young to understand the significance of saying grace, but it was a great way to start her life off right.
Observing children with immaculate manners is always enjoyable. Beautiful young woman Eloise has the best manners. She will surely grow up to be a good young woman who sets an example of proper conduct for others.Others will be motivated to follow in her footsteps by her love and kindness. There should be more toddlers in the world just like her. Let’s collaborate to improve living conditions on Earth.
Leave a Reply