As the temperature rises during the summer months, so does the cost of keeping cool. But what if I told you there’s a way to beat the heat without overspending? It’s all about understanding the role of humidity in your home, choosing the right AC unit, utilizing natural methods and making small changes to your daily routine. In this article, I’ll break down each of these unconventional methods to help you stay comfortable without breaking the bank. So sit back, grab a cold drink and let’s explore the secrets of staying cool in the summer heat.
Understand the role of humidity in your home
When it comes to staying cool in the summer, humidity plays a significant role in how comfortable you feel in your home. High humidity levels can make the air feel heavier and more oppressive, making it harder for your body to cool down.
To combat the effects of humidity, it’s important to choose the right AC unit for your home. Look for models that offer a dehumidifying function, which removes excess moisture from the air. This makes it feel cooler and more comfortable. Additionally, consider using natural methods like fans and open windows to circulate fresh air and reduce humidity levels. Don’t make the same mistake I did, however. For years, I would leave the windows open throughout the night and close them in the morning. This is a great idea if the humidity levels are low, but when it is oppressive, you will use even more electricity sucking out all of the moisture that you brought in throughout the night.
What a waste!
Small changes to your daily routine can also make a big difference in how you experience humidity. For example, taking warmer showers and hanging wet towels can increase the overall moisture content in the air, while placing plants throughout your home can help regulate humidity levels.
By understanding the role of humidity in your home and making small changes to your routine, you can beat the heat without breaking the bank. In the following section, we’ll explore the importance of choosing the right AC unit to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
Choose the right AC unit
When it comes to keeping your home cool during the summer months, choosing the right AC unit is key. Not all air conditioning units are created equal, so it’s important to understand what type of unit will best suit your needs.
First, consider the size of your space. If you have a smaller home or apartment, a window unit may be sufficient. However, larger homes may require a central air conditioning system to effectively cool every room.
Next, think about energy efficiency. Air conditioning units can be a major source of energy consumption, so choosing an energy-efficient model can help you save on your monthly energy bills. Look for units with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating to ensure you’re getting the most energy-efficient option.
We purchased mini-splits to air condition our home, and we absolutely love them.
It is an easy and effective way to keep specific areas of your home cooler, like the bedroom, while leaving less used areas at a higher temperature. They also include a dehumidify function, as well as providing heat down to 0°F in the winter months. One more bonus – they don’t require ductwork!
Another factor to consider is noise level. Some air conditioning units can be quite noisy, which can be disruptive to your sleep or overall comfort. Look for units with lower decibel levels to ensure a quieter experience.
By choosing the right AC unit for your space and needs, you can stay cool and comfortable all summer long without overspending. And by utilizing natural methods like those we will now discuss, you can further enhance the effectiveness of your air conditioning system.
Utilize natural methods
In addition to selecting the right air conditioning unit, there are also natural ways to beat the heat and save money on your energy bill. Utilizing these methods can help to further cool your home and reduce the need for constant use of your AC unit. In the first section, we talked about opening and closing windows. Another natural method is to use fans strategically to create a cross-breeze and promote air flow. Additionally, keeping blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day can help to block out the sun’s heat and keep your home cooler, especially on the south side of your home.
You can also reduce the use of your clothes dryer by hanging your clothes out to dry.
Here are a couple of caveats, though. If the humidity level is high, it will take forever to dry. Also, if you hang your clothes near trees, you run the risk of birds pooping on your clothes. Depending on the softness of your water and the type of detergent you use, your clothes may dry “crunchy”. And if your family doesn’t like crunchy clothes, you can easily fix this by placing them in the dryer with some dryer balls for a few minutes after they are done drying. Click the link below to purchase! I also like to use Mom’s Super Laundry Sauce combined with vinegar, and that seems to greatly reduce the crunch factor. You can find the recipe in our recommendations board on Pinterest.