One of the unfortunate results of climate change in Canadian homes is the increase of overheated living environments. But before you run out and buy another air conditioner, consider the consequences. Air conditioners release millions of tons of carbon dioxide annually into the air. Additionally, the expense of running an air conditioner is considerable. The toll this appliance takes on our precious environment is alarming to say the least.
Fortunately, experts at Walls Electrical Ltd. on Vancouver Island have several eye-opening green ways to keep your home cool this summer!
- Keep your body cool. Wear natural fabrics like cotton and hemp that allow your body to breathe. Prepare more sandwiches, salads, and other delicious foods that don’t require cooking and heating up your kitchen. Up your H2O intake and take cooler showers.
- Invest in window coverings for your home. Blinds, curtains, and closed windows all contribute to a cooler home. Keeping windows closed keeps the hot air from penetrating the home, heating it up to unbearable temperatures in the evening. When the sun goes down, open windows to let cool air circulate.
- Embrace outdoor cooking. Invest in a BBQ and prepare summer meals outdoors. A covered outdoor cooking area permits cooking in any weather. Microwaves and toaster ovens also offer a cooler method of cooking—they use less electricity than a conventional oven.
- Unplug and turn off. It’s shocking how much heat computers, TVs, and appliances generate when in use. Left on, they still generate heat. Unplugging every appliance when not in use not only reduces electrical bills but keeps your home cooler as well.
- Start using fans. If your bedroom has a ceiling fan, start using it! Circulating air keeps the indoors cooler. Portable fans are also an affordable option. When placed in front of an open window, a fan can draw cool air inside for additional comfort.
- Improve your existing air conditioner. Sometimes a home is simply too hot to function in without an air conditioner. If that’s the case, it pays to make sure it works optimally. Clean the filter every few weeks since a dirty filter limits air flow. A programmable air conditioner enables you to set it to turn on shortly before you arrive home. That way it’s not burning electricity all day with no one inside to benefit. A/C units should also be operated in the shade as opposed to direct sunlight.
- Take advantage of air-conditioned businesses. If you need a break from the heat, head to a theatre, art gallery, or restaurant that already has the A/C on.
- Reinsulate your home. A poorly insulated home is freezing in the winter and scorching in the summer. Proper insulation is essential to a comfortable, energy-efficient home.
- Plant shade trees and shrubs safely around the home. Trees and shrubs around the home naturally block hot sun rays and cool and moisten the air. Beautiful landscaping also improves the value of your home. Hang a tree swing and family members have an instant way to chill with a gentle summer breeze.
- Install a deck mister. Why should restaurant patios be the only ones to enjoy the sensual pleasures of a mister? A deck mister makes dining outside sublime on hot summer evenings. For your home interior, a large atomizer with lavender essential oils makes evenings more relaxed.
Why waste money on air conditioning bills when you have an amazing number of green ways to keep your home cool this summer? Air conditioning is not only damaging to the environment but also impacts our health. Too much A/C causes dry eyes and skin, headaches, respiratory problems, and allergies. All families benefit from healthier ways of keeping cool.
Clearly, there are countless ways each individual and family across Canada can empower themselves to reduce their carbon footprint. This is good news.
Conquer your energy-wasting habits with energy-saving positive action. Every individual ‘green’ action adds up to huge improvements to our environment. Who doesn’t want to be a part of the effective change?
If you would like to discuss further ways to keep your house cool contact Walls Electrical in Nanaimo.
