Depending on what you’re up to, summer can be the ideal time to relax and enjoy being more at home. Of course it can also be the perfect time to needlessly raise your electric bill, which you don’t want to do. In order to keep you from doing that, here are some easy and non-expensive tips to help you help you keep your house cool this summer.

1.       Keep windows and curtains closed during the day. This may seem like obvious advice but you’d be surprised by how much of a difference it really make. Keeping the curtains closed during the hottest sunlight hours will keep your house from overheating and maintain coolness.  

2.       Set your ceiling fan so that it generates cool air throughout the room.

3.       Cut use of appliances that heat your home, such as the oven and the clothes dryer. Both of them generate excess heat. If you have to use them, try not to do so during the hottest hours of the day. Also, opt for the microwave instead of the oven whenever you can.

4.       Same with the dishwasher; instead of using it, just let your dishes air dry.

5.       Invest in portable fans and ACs so you can specifically cool down the room you and family members are in, rather than raising the electric bill by cooling the whole house.

6.       Consider keeping the lights off using the hottest times of the dry. Light bulbs also generate heat.

7.       Dress in layers so that if it gets too hot, you can just remove a layer. Opt for short sleeves, shorts, and lighter clothing.