Tips for Beating the Summer Heat
Looking for relief from the summer heat? These tips will help you keep cool and comfortable while keeping energy costs to a minimum.
Summer is on its way, and with it comes the probability of a few uncomfortably hot days and nights. Follow these tips to keep cool and comfortable while keeping your home energy costs to a minimum:
Basic Strategies for Keeping Cool:
- Close blinds and drapes or cover windows during daylight hours to keep the sun off the glass.
- Keep your house closed during the day to keep the heat out, and ventilate it well at night to let cool air in.
- Turn off the lights in unoccupied rooms. Turn off or unplug unnecessary electronics.
- Dress for the weather. Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing on hot days to help keep cool.
- Drink plenty of cold liquids to stay hydrated.
Habits that Save Energy:
- Skip the dishwasher's drying cycle. Open the dishwasher to let items air dry instead.
- Dry laundry on a clothesline.
- Set your A/C thermostat to 78 degrees.
- Cook more meals in your microwave. Microwave cooking is quicker, more energy efficient and heats the food instead of your house.
- Use a fan with your room air conditioner to help move the cool air throughout the house.
Investments That Are Worth It
- Shade your air conditioner, and make sure it has good airflow on all sides.
- A well-insulated house is easier to keep cool. If your house is poorly insulated, adding insulation will keep you warmer in winter, cooler in summer and lower your heating bills.
- Good attic ventilation keeps your house cooler. Keep attic vents clear and attic fans functioning properly.
- Install awning sor plant deciduous trees or vines to shade south and east windows.
- For the most energy-efficient home heating and cooling, install a heat pump system.
Central Air Conditioning:
- If you’re building a new home or considering changes to your central heating and cooling system, consider installing a heat pump. Heat pumps are the most cost-effective way you can heat and cool your home.
- Have a qualified contractor inspect and service your system to ensure it is operating efficiently.
- Check your filters monthly & clean or replace them as needed.
- Keep vents open & unobstructed.
- Have your duct system tested for leaks and repaired if necessary.
Window Air Conditioning:
- If you have zonal electric heat such as baseboards, wall heaters or ceiling cables, consider upgrading to a ductless heating and cooling system. These units provide winter heat at a fraction of the cost of electric resistance heat, and provide summer air conditioning without the need for a window unit.
- If you use a window unit, make sure it's properly sized. Too small won’t cool effectively; too large will use too much energy.
- Buy an ENERGY STAR qualified model.
- Use a fan with your air conditioner to help spread the cool air throughout the house.
For more information:
For more energy saving tips, contact our Energy Experts at (503) 366-5470 or experts@crpud.org.

