by Raven Lebeau

Created on: February 08, 2010

When living on a budget, keeping your home cool in the summer is not just a matter of turning down the thermostat. In order to live comfortably while still meeting your savings and investment goals, you will need to employ a variety of strategies for keeping cool. Here are a few ideas for beating the heat without breaking the bank:

1. Check for gaps around windows and doors or cracks in the foundation.

A roll of weather stripping is an investment that will pay off in terms of energy savings. Use weather stripping to make sure doors and windows seal tightly, keeping cool air in and hot air out. Fill cracks in the foundation with polyurethane foam.

2. Keep your air conditioner in good working order.

The filters on an air conditioner need to be changed every 30-90 days. Check to see if your filter is due for replacement. Make sure the vents are clear. If possible schedule a maintenance check up with a heating and cooling technician. When your air conditioner is working efficiently, it will keep your home cooler while using less electricity.

3. Install a programmable thermostat.

Check with your utility company to see if you can get a free or low-cost programmable thermostat. When you are at work during the day, you can program the thermostat to increase the temperature by a few degrees. Your home does not need to be at an optimal comfort level while you are away.

4. Avoid generating unnecessary heat.

The stove, the over, the dryer, the dishwasher, and the water heater all generate heat, which means your air conditioner has to work harder to compensate. Avoid cooking meals that involve using the stove and oven. Instead, eat cold foods like salads and sandwiches or zap meals in the microwave. In order to minimize use of the dryer, hang clothing outside on a clothesline or take it out of the dryer early and hang it in the closet while still slightly damp. Wait till the dishwasher is full before running it. Take shorter showers in order to keep your water heater from overworking.

5. Dress for the weather.

Wear shorts and short sleeved shirts made from light, breathable fabric. This will help keep you comfortable even if you keep the thermostat near 80 degrees.

6. Close the blinds and curtains.

Sunlight coming through the windows can easily overheat your house. Be sure windows are covered, especially if they face south or west.

7. Use fans to stay cool.

Ceiling fans will help circulate the air in your home and improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. You can also turn on a fan to help the room you are in feel cooler. This is more energy efficient than turning the thermostat down for the whole house.

By using the strategies outlined above, you can stay cool and comfortable in the summer without having to spend a fortune on the electric bill.

Learn more about this author, Raven Lebeau.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.