We're sweltering in a record heat wave. Here are some ideas to beat the heat without breaking the bank.1. Ice the air.
Running a fan? Set a bowl of ice cubes in front of it. The melting ice will cool the breeze, turning an ordinary fan into an air conditioner.
2. Clever cooling sachet.
Fill a clean sock with raw rice, seal it with a rubber band and put it in your freezer for at least two hours. Before you turn in, slide the frozen compress under the covers to cool the sheets. The rice will hold a chill for hours, so keep it handy to counteract any hot spots.
3. Work the windows.
When it's hotter out than in, close the window, pull the blinds and draw the drapes – the more layers between you and the sun the better. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates this can reduce the heat coming in by up to 45%.
4. Backward fan relief.
This trick could help you cut the A/C at night: simply open your bedroom window and position a fan so it's blowing the air out. Forcing hot air out of a room is twice as effective as trying to blow the cool air in.
5. Close your fireplace.
An open damper actually sucks hot air into your house. Just remember to open the damper back up before you light your first fire next fall.
6. Change your bulbs.
Compact fluorescents produce almost 70% less heat than standard incandescent bulbs generating the same amount of light
Thanks to our friend Paul North at Pillar to Post.
No comments:
Post a Comment