Welcome Message

Thank you for visiting
Lawrence Voices.

If you have questions or suggestions, please use the Contact link found in menu bar to contact us. If you do not see your Category, please let us know.

Please tell your friends and neighbors about us!

Community Supported Lawrence Business Directory - Free Local Ads » Article Details

Save Money on Your Cooling Costs

Date Added: August 18, 2009 03:01:58 AM

Author: Mary Fellows

Category: Construction & Remodeling: Interior Design

Every summer most Americans see a spike in their electricity bill as the air-conditioning gets cranked up. If its hot and muggy outside who wants to live in that sauna when they can just dial the thermostat for cool and pleasant. Certainly for many of us air-conditioning isn't a luxury its a necessity. That is not to say that you can't save money on the costs for cooling your home and along the way give a helping hand to environment. Here are some quick tips to reducing you electricity bill over the summer: * only cool the parts of the house you are using - cooling areas that aren't in use is just plain wasteful; * close curtains to keep the sun out during the day - better still install external shutters and blinds to keep the heat from windows; * on the flip side when things cool down overnight leave windows and doors open (with secured screens if required) to start the day as cool as naturally possible as the lowest temperature usually occurs just before dawn; * turn your water heater way down - with the temperature outside in the 90's no one really wants hot showers do they? * ensure that you have ceiling fans installed to circulate air and allow your air conditioner to run as efficiently as possible. If your cooling system is really struggling then remember the old-fashioned ideas of having a cold drink or a cold shower really do work - for a while anyways! If you are renovating your home than look for ways to make in more efficient energy wise all year round. One of my favorite cheap fixes is a ceiling fan with heater which helps circulate air in the summer and winter - and manages to both make your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter for a cost of only a few hundred dollars!