Keep Eco-Cool this Summer

It is HOT outside, especially here in Dallas!  Reaching temperatures upwards of 103 degrees, it is miserable outside.  This has actually been a great time to be on bedrest!

Unfortunately, though, the heat comes with a price tag! The average U.S. household spends about $1,900 a year on energy costs!!

Here are some tips on ways to stay cool while being eco-efficient and saving some green as well!

RUN FANS

Your A/C is a huge guzzler of electricity and therefore of your pocket book.  I am not suggesting that you turn your A/C off, but simply raising the thermostat. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away.  Then, run ceiling and portable fans.  Not only does this save money, but helps circulate the cool air that your A/C is pumping out. (Save: 1 - 3 percent per degree, for each degree the thermostat is set above 72 degrees) (CEC)

TURN THE LIGHTS OFF

It's summer! It is bright outside - so turn off your lights and crack your blinds.  Not only does this reduce your energy footprint, but you are bringing natural light into the home and eliminating the heat radiating off the lights in your home.  Now - Don't open them all the way, because then you have the outdoor heat penetrating your windows! Ouch!

CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTER

By changing your air filter, you increase the efficiency of your A/C unit, thus cooling your home faster and reducing your energy bill.

COOK LESS

Eat cold foods - salads, etc.  The heat of an oven can increase the temperature of your house and burn more energy.  On that note, did you know that using your microwave uses two-thrids the amount of energy as your stove? (CEC)

MAKE FROZEN FRUIT POPS

Using yummy and healthy organic fruit, make frozen fruit pops. You will feel good feeding your kids a healthy treat while cooling them down!

Stay Cool this summer!!!