During this time of year, it’s nice to be able to hold off using your air conditioning when you can, but as temperatures fluctuate, hotter days may call for a few new ideas to keep things cool. We’ve put together seven effortless ways you can beat the heat on warmer days while still being mindful about energy savings and when to run your A/C system.
1. Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise
In warmer months, switch your ceiling fans to a counterclockwise rotation. (Check to see if there is a small toggle switch on the fan’s base. For remote-controlled fans, check your remote for a “REV” button.) Since heat rises, this helps push hot air down to create a cool breeze that can reduce room temperatures by about 4 degrees. It also can help keep a room’s temperature consistent throughout the day, so once you do turn on your A/C, it will help cut down on how much your system must run.
2. Get a cross breeze going
Let nature work for you. Open windows on opposite sides of your house to create a beautiful cross breeze. NOTE: If it’s hotter outside than inside and there is no breeze, close all windows and use tip #3.
3. Close your curtains or shades
For windows that take a direct hit from the sun, close your curtains and/or shades during the most intense times of the day. Windows let heat enter your home, so this simple suggestion is a great way to keep the cool in and the heat out. On days when temperatures are cooler, you can open those curtains to let sunlight and warmth in.
4. Close doors to unused rooms
This keeps any cross breeze moving more efficiently throughout the areas of your home you use the most. It is one of the easiest ways to help your living space stay cooler.
5. Limit use of your stove, dishwasher and dryer during the day
These appliances heat up your home fast. Run your dishwasher and dryer after the sun goes down.
6. Position fans low to the ground
If you have portable room fans, make sure they are in a corner and low. This helps circulate cooler air throughout the room. (Cool air is denser so it’s closer to the ground.)
7. Use a dehumidifier
While dehumidifiers don’t technically cool a room, they do remove moisture from hot air. This makes a room feel cooler by drying the air, which not only makes it more comfortable but healthier as well. Find ENERGY STAR® certified humidifiers for your home on our website.
Remember, heat stroke is serious. Please don’t push yourself to the point of overheating. Use your A/C when you need it! And stay inside during the hottest hours of the day.
Excellent tips! I’m always confused as to which way to turn my ceiling fan blades seasonally.
Good tips especially which way to turn my fan blades.
That’s all common sense!!!
Why?
R u afraid to post my comment?
Thanks!
Thank you for the tips to save energy the dollar doesn’t stretch as far as it used to so these are very helpful
My mom taught me about crossdraft when I was still a kid at home and I practice it to this day it really does make a difference
Ve
I have a split heat pump. Is it cheaper to run the dehumidifier than the air conditioning or is the price about the same? thanks
Good Afternoon Megan, It is typically less expensive to run a dehumidifier than a air conditioning if both units are of average capacity and have typical running times. Also, read energy saving tips for your home under http://www.pplelectric.com/site/Ways-to-Save/Rebates-and-Savings-Programs/Tips-to-Save. (Click on Heating & Cooling.) Thank you for reaching out to us!
Since a ceiling fan adds heat from its motor to a room , it is impossible based on the laws of thermodynamics for the temperature of the room to decrease. If they check a thermometer in the room, they will not see a decrease in the room’s temperature.
Only the “real feel” temperature as perceived by an occupant of the room will decrease due to the more rapid removal of heat from the body due to the air flow over the occupant.
Based on your statements, people may leave fans running in unoccupied rooms believing they are helping to cool their homes!
I think you should write the articles
Thanks for the tips on the dehumidifiers and keeping fans in a corner and low to the ground….who knew? Will give both a try. Here’s hoping the temps do not get too extreme this year. Thanks again for the tips.
I need help with new windows and doors on my apartment everything is old it needs to be updated
Good Afternoon Megan, Please read about our WRAP program that provides eligible customers with a no-cost energy assessment, free energy saving products, and energy tips for long-term savings. You can sign in and apply online in only a few minutes under http://www.pplelectric.com/wrap. A specialist will review your application and let you know whether you’ve been accepted. You can also contact the WRAP program directly at 1-888-232-6302. Thank you!
Very good advice!! Thank You!
Thank you so much for your educational info
Thank you very much!
Very helpful reminders!
A whole house fan does a great job when we have cool nights. A lot cheaper than air conditioning.
Thank you for the tips on keeping the house cool and warm I will use them and keep ourselves comfortable thank you very much.
Great tips!thanks for sharing.
We were told to turn our ceiling fans counter clockwise in the winter to make the room feel warmer by disbursing the heat downward. Now you are saying to turn them counter clockwise in the warmer weather. I’m confused.
Good Afternoon Kathy, The ceiling fan direction in warmer months should be counterclockwise to help create a downdraft, which creates that direct, cooling breeze. Your fan direction in winter needs to be clockwise to create an updraft and circulate warm air around the room.We hope this helps!
Thank you. We were doing the opposite, which seemed sensible at the time. We will try the opposite way as your tip suggested.
Good reminders. When I was growing up and A/C wasn’t commonly in homes yet, my parents used most of these tips to help make the house more comfortable in summer. They do help.
I disagree with Paul’s 5/24 comment. Not all tips are common sense to all customers.
Thank you PPL for the tips.
… during the day closing drapes and shades keeps it cooler yes, but turning lights on to see properly? WHERE’S THE SAVINGS IN DOING THAT????
Something doesn’t add up to my wallet but YOUR’S PPL!!!
Good Afternoon Beverly, Please read more about tips to help you save under https://pplelectric.com/site/Ways-to-Save/Rebates-and-Savings-Programs. If you are not already shopping for a generation supplier, please read more under http://www.pplelectric.com/shopping to lower your supplier rate. Thank you!