Save Some Cash by Going Outdoors

Head to the great outdoors to save on cooling expenses

We’ve rolled into August and it’s still hot, hot, hot! Yes, it’s very tempting to “batten down the hatches” so to speak and retreat indoors for the entire season. But, it’s actually a good idea (for your wallet) to step away from the air conditioning and enjoy the outdoors. So, why should you take the time to enjoy the outdoors during the summer?

• More people = a hotter home. When it comes to how hard your air conditioner has to work, don’t discount body heat. The more people there are in your home, the higher the resting temperature of your home and the more energy it takes your air conditioner to cool your home.
• Using things, like your stove, can raise the temperature in your home. A stove, whether electric or gas, can really heat up your home. The hotter your home, the harder your air conditioner has to work to cool it down. Use your grill every once in a while to give your air conditioner a break.
• If you’re outside, you can turn off the lights. This may seem like a no-brainer, but every little bit helps.
• You can raise your thermostat temperature setting. While we don’t encourage constant tampering with your thermostat, raising the setting a few degrees can actually help you save money without sacrificing comfort. Plus, when you’re sitting outside in 90^°F weather, 78^°F (for example) is going to feel that much cooler.

Of course, there are things you need to do when you do go outside to make sure that you can enjoy the money-saving benefits while staying safe in the heat. Make sure that you keep hydrated, have all windows and doors closed, and make sure that people aren’t constantly entering or exiting the house. What’s your favorite thing to do outside during the summer?  

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