When the weather turns hot here in New England, staying cool can be a real challenge. Sustainable Middleborough has you covered with our summer cooling tip series to save you energy and money this summer!
Tip 1: Blinds and Curtains
Closing curtains & blinds on the sunny side of your house during the day can reduce indoor temperatures by 10-20 degrees.
A few tips:
- Focus on windows that face south & west, especially in the afternoon.
- Consider getting heavy curtains or blackout shades from local discount stores.
- Add this 1-minute habit to your morning routine for immediate comfort.
Tip 2: Cool Nights
Here in New England, temperatures typically drop 15-20 degrees most evenings.
A few tips:
- After sunset, open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a cross breeze.
- Set up fans facing the same direction to draw cool air up & out.
- Close windows again in the morning before outdoor temperatures start climbing (unless it is a prolonged heat wave & keeping windows closed is unsafe).
Tip 3: Cooking Outside
Your oven raises the temperature in your kitchen 10 degrees or more & keeps radiating heat for a full hour after you turn it off.
A few tips:
- Cook outside if you can, or use smaller electric appliances like a slow cooker, instant pot, or toaster oven.
- Do any cooking for the day in the morning or after dark for the next day.
- During a heat wave, plan cold meals like salads, sandwiches, smoothies, or cold soups.
Tip 4: Avoid the Dryer
Avoid using your dryer during the host part of the day and try air-drying on a rack or clothesline instead.
A few tips:
- Air-dry laundry on a rack or clothesline, outside if you can.
- Air-drying laundry can save even a small household $100-$150/year.
- Clean the lint filter each use & check that the vent is clear so humidity vents outside.
Tip 5: Insulate That Attic!
Your attic can reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot summer day, & without insulation, that heat transfers right into your living space.
A few tips:
- Insulation is just as important in summer as winter.
- Staging insulation over several years can make it more affordable, & the attic is the best place to start.
- If your house was built before 1980, it is likely un- or under-insulated.
Tip 6: Try a Reflective Film
Windows can let a lot of solar heat into your house on a hot summer afternoon, especially if you have older single or double-pane glass.
A few tips:
- Reflective window film blocks solar heat, reducing indoor temperatures & cutting cooling costs.
- The film may also reduce sun bleaching from UV rays & provide privacy.
- It is available at most hardware stores & applies easily with water & a squeegee.
Tip 7: Keep the Freezer Full
A full refrigerator is a more efficient refrigerator because the cold mass gives the compressor less work to do.
A few tips:
- Fill any unused space with jugs, bottles, or reclosable bags of water.
- When you open the door, your fridge or freezer temperature holds steady with the help of that cold mass.
- Minimize opening & closing the door, especially in summer.
Tip 8: Use a Dehumidifier
At 70% humidity, air can feel as much as 15 degrees hotter.
A few tips:
- While dehumidifiers do release a slight amount of heat, lowering humidity helps sweat evaporate so you feel cooler.
- Set your dehumidifier to 40% to 50% relative humidity for the best balance of comfort & energy savings.
- Combining a dehumidifier with a ceiling fan is an underrated pairing that removes moisture & circulates fresh air.
Tip 9: Save When You’re Not Home
Whenever you are out of the house for 4+ hours, set your air conditioning 7 to 10 degrees higher than your usual comfort setting.
A few tips:
- The same thermostat habit that saves money in winter works just as well in summer.
- Make it easier with a programmable thermostat.
- Middleborough Gas and Electric offers a $50 rebate on a wifi thermostat, or $100 if you are on the low-income rate.
Tip 10: Sleep with a Fan
Sleeping in summer does not have to mean running air conditioning all night.
A few tips:
- Use all-cotton or linen sheets, which breathe far better than polyester blends.
- Heat rises, so sleep on the lowest floor of your home.
- Position a fan to draw air across your body, creating a wind chill effect that helps you feel 8 to 10 degrees cooler.
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