Did you know that air conditioners can use up to 1/6th of our total energy consumption on hot summer days? Keeping your house cool during the summer can be more challenging than it sounds. It may be as simple as flipping on the AC, but more energy saving alternatives can be used. Utilizing alternative cooling techniques will save you money and help reduce energy consumption during heat waves.
Insulation
Weather-stripping, caulking, and insulating your home are essential. Weather-stripping around your doors will block gaps that easily let drafts through your home. Buying some tubes of caulking can stop heat conduction through cracks around your window frames. Look into buying better insulation if you feel it is necessary. The cost of installing better insulation with a higher R-value will be offset in future energy savings.
Shading
Proper placement of trees around your home can save hundreds of dollars annually. Trees planted on the south and west sides of your home will provide the most savings. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that just three trees, properly placed around your house, can save an average household between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually. Shrubs and vines can also prevent heat gains by blocking the sides of your house. Adding light colored fabric drapes to each window in your home can also block sun rays. Installing a shade screens can block anywhere from 50 to 90 percent of total energy passing through the window.
Removing Heat
Inexpensive roof vents can be installed in your attic to get rid of heat gains. They only cost five to ten dollars, and will not allow moisture or cold air into your home during the winter. Ridge vents add to this ventilation by creating a continuous hot air outlet along the peak ridge of your home. Running ceiling fans throughout your house rather than AC can save you large amounts of money. Many models have a reverse rotation option which changes the spinning direction to pull warm air down during the winter as well.
Reducing Heat Sources
Incandescent bulbs give off 95% of total energy as heat, which only adds warmth to your home. Switching to energy efficient fluorescents and LEDs is important. Avoid using the oven on hot days by cooking with a microwave, pressure cooker, or a barbecue outside as these devices generate little to no heat. Sealing off your laundry room prevents heat transfer from your washer and dryer. Hand or air drying dishes also takes away unnecessary heat from the drying cycle of your dishwasher. Take the time to insulate your water heater, as this is a great source of heat conduction.
Air conditioners are a great luxury to have, but at the very least you can offset some its usage by employing a few of these strategies. The addition of passive techniques into your cooling strategy will save you money and lead to great environmental benefits.