Try sitting near a window with blinds up during the day to deflect the heat.
The end of April is approaching, and in a few days, we will be in the month of May. May marks the first month of warmer weather in Howard County, so it’s important to be in the know about staying cool well beforehand. The best solution to staying cool during May is to use air conditioning. However, this method isn’t good for the environment and can quickly rack up your home energy bill. Luckily, there are plenty of energy-efficient means of keeping cool in your Howard County home. Here are a few energy-efficient ways you and your family can stay cool, save some money and help the environment this May.
Close The Blinds During The Day
While natural light is important, sometimes on especially hot and sunny days, windows can amplify hot air in your home. Therefore, an energy-efficient way of keeping out the hot air is to close the blinds during May afternoons. In this way, you will still receive some natural light into your home, but none of the hot air. When day turns to evening, you can open the blinds for some gorgeous Golden Hour lighting in your home.
Open the Windows at Night
As just mentioned, windows play a huge role in energy-efficient cooling methods. One way to let cooler air inside the home is to open a few windows at night. This is optimal since May nights often have a drop in temperature, and can work as a natural, energy-efficient air conditioner, allowing the air to flow freely.
Clean and Wash at Night
Daytime is usually when we are most motivated to do hard work around the house like cleaning, vacuuming, running the dishwasher and washer and dryer. However, all electrical devices generate heat, which can add to the overall temperature of the house. In the summer months, it’s best to complete chores in the evening or night to prevent spiking your electric bill, since you’ll feel less of a need to turn on the AC.
78 is Great
According to the US Department of Energy, to maintain an energy-efficient home, your thermostat should be kept around 78 degrees during the hotter months. While this might seem very high to many people, there are ways you can offset the heat. Installing ceiling fans that rotate counterclockwise and wearing loose-fitting, cotton fabric-based clothing can help beat the heat in an energy-efficient way.
Design and Build Your Dream Home with Columbia Builders!
Columbia Builders is the home builder of choice in Howard County, offering homes in Ellicott City, Elkridge, Laurel, Columbia, Marriottsville, Fulton, Clarksville, Dayton, and Brookeville. No matter what the size and scope of your project, we have the skills, experience, and resources needed to bring your vision to life. We offer a level of customization that is truly unmatched and are committed to using materials and craftsmen of the highest quality, so you can trust that your new home is built to last. Columbia Builders was voted Best of Howard County 2020 for best home builder.
If you’re ready to invest in a home, built with your needs in mind, trust in us. Give Columbia Builders a call today at 410-730-0215 or use our contact form here. You can also keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz, and Youtube, and don’t forget to check back on our blog for more tips and information!