Can You Cool Your Home Without AC?
This year, May already feels like July. It’s going to be a long, hot summer. You want to blast the air conditioner, but your budget has other plans. You can’t cool your home without AC, but you can take steps for your system to use less power. Here are just a few of the best ways to cool your home without running up your Texas energy bill.
Block Out The Sun
- Close the drapes. Direct sunlight through your windows causes your indoor air to heat up. Shutting your curtains blocks some of the sun’s rays so they have less impact on your comfort.
- Plant some trees. As trees grow taller, they block more sunlight from hitting your home. Shade cools the air around your home. Planting a tree may not lower your Texas electricity bill this year, but it’s a good investment for the future. And talk about curb appeal! Well placed landscaping can increase your home’s resale value.
Move Air Around
- Turn on ceiling fans. Moving air helps cool down your body. Ceiling fans won’t lower your home’s temperature. However, they will make you more comfortable at higher temperatures. So crank up the fans, and set your thermostat higher.
- Improve attic ventilation. This way to cool your home without AC is a bigger project. Attic ventilation pushes out the hot air between your roof and ceiling. The better that air moves through, the cooler your attic will be which makes your home easier for your AC to cool.
- Wear loose clothing. Baggy t-shirts and shorts make the best outfit for summer lounging. Air can flow around your body. The moving air helps your sweat to cool you down more efficiently.
Reduce Humidity To Cool Your Home
- Use a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier uses far less energy than your home AC system. Though this appliance produces some waste heat, your home air will be dryer. Dryer air feels cooler than wetter air. A dehumidifier will make you feel cooler even if the temperature isn’t lower.
- Inspect the crawl space vapor barrier. A plastic sheeting on the ground in your crawl space slows moisture transfer from the soil. Not all Texas homes have crawl spaces. However, many along the coast do.
Find A Cool Power Plan
Even though you’re sweating through the spring, you don’t need to sweat your home energy bill. So shop for electricity plans at https://www.texaselectricityratings.com today. Experts predict prices will rise in the coming months, so don’t delay!