Fighting the “Dog Days of Summer”
The saying “dog days of summer” refers to the hottest time of year, which in our neck of the woods means July and August, when the heat and humidity hit their peaks. The saying originated from ancient Greek and Roman times when people believed that Sirius, also known as the “Dog Star”, contributed to the harsh summer heat when it was seen close to the sun.
.png)
We are now approaching this most uncomfortable time of year in Alabama. The sweltering summer months can not only be physically unpleasant, but they can do a number on your household bills as well. Keeping your home cool is a necessity, but watching those energy bills soar is no fun. Here are some practical tips for fighting the “dog days of summer”:
KEEPING YOUR HOME COOL
Your home cooling system can be your best friend or your worst enemy in the heat of summer. It’s important that you schedule annual maintenance on your AC unit to ensure it is running efficiently. Also be sure to replace filters monthly during heavy use periods.
- OPTIMIZE YOUR A/C SYSTEM
Aim for 78°F (26°C) for an ideal temperature setting when you’re home and awake. Each degree lower can increase your energy bill by up to 3%. It would be smart to invest in a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day. For example, set it so that the temperature is higher when you’re away or sleeping, then program it to cool things off before you return or wake up.
- UTILIZE FANS EFFECTIVELY
Be sure your ceiling fans are rotating counterclockwise during the hot months of the year. This will create a wind-chill effect that can make a room feel up to 4° cooler. No ceiling fans? You can also use portable fans to direct airflow where it is most needed. If you don’t already have one, consider installing a whole-house fan in your attic. This is a powerful fan that will pull hot air out of your home at night, replacing it with cooler air, perfect for summer sleeping.
- CREATE A CROSS BREEZE
You can create natural airflow during the cooler times of day by opening windows. Open low-lying windows on the cool side of the house, and elevated windows on the warmer side. This will be most effective if you use a box fan in the windows to pull in the cool air and push out the warm air.
- BLOCK THE SUN
You may enjoy the natural light that comes in your windows, but they also let in a lot of heat. During the warmest periods of the day use light colored curtains or blinds that will reflect the sunlight.
- USE HEAT-GENERATING APPLIANCES AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE
The kitchen can easily become the hottest spot in your house when using your oven. Now would be the time to avoid baking. Use the microwave, slow cooker or insta-pot for meals. Or, even better, create meals that don’t require cooking at all, like salads and sandwiches.
When doing laundry, let your clothes air dry rather than using the dryer. This will not only help keep your home cooler but will save energy as well.
If you haven’t already, switch out old incandescent lightbulbs for LED lights. They use less energy and put off less heat.
Unplug electronics when not in use. Believe it or not, even when you’re not using them, electronic devices can still generate heat when plugged in.
- COOK OUTDOORS
Instead of heating up the kitchen, cook your meals outdoors on the grill. If you get hot while cooking, just think about being able to sit inside your nice, cool house to enjoy your meal!
- USE COLD WATER FOR LAUNDRY AND DISHES
Current detergents work well in cold water. You will not only decrease the generation of heat, but you will save on water heating costs as well.
- MAKE SURE WINDOWS AND DOORS ARE PROPERLY SEALED
Even tiny gaps can let cool air escape and hot air creep into your home. Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal any leaks you may find.
Follow these tips and enjoy the “dog days of summer” in the comfort of your cool home!
