Everyone wants to stay cool during those hot summer months. Following these tips, from "Maintain a Cool House While Keeping Costs Down" (Rutland (VT) Herald 6/14/06), will help save money and energy and help our effort to lower our dependency on foreign oil.

1. Start by keeping out as much heat as possible. This means making sure your house is well insulated.

2. Keep windows and doors closed and window coverings closed during the heat of the day. It is particularly important to cover windows during periods when direct sunlight comes in.

3. When the sun sets and outside air is cooler than inside air, open windows and turn on exhaust fans to move the hot air out.

4. Manage household activities to minimize heat and moisture production while trying to cool the house.

5. Use fans to create air movement in rooms you are occupying. This won't lower the temperature, but it will increase comfort.

6. A long-term way to make your home cooler is to plant shade trees on the south and west side of your home. Consider trees that drop their leaves in the fall so you can enjoy the winter sun.

7. When using air conditioning, it is worth closing your house up with storm windows.

8. Check filters to be sure they are clean. For central air, the filters are the same ones you check in the winter and are part of the furnace.

9. Use a set back thermostat so that the house is warmer when you aren't home during the day but cooler when you come home.

10. Close off rooms that you aren't using and the cooling ducts to them to focus the cool on the rooms that you are using.

 

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Disclaimer

Tanning & Natural Health News is a publication of Tan Plus /Essentials Of Life, Barclay Square, 350 Route 108, Somersworth, NH. This publication is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be presented as medical advice. Product statements made have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration.