How to keep your home cool in the summer heat

OPEN THE HOUSE AND SUCK IN ALL THE COOL AIR! (This should be done early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature is lower.

Here is some information I have learned on how to keep your house cool when you have no AC.  For those who have AC, the info can help if you save on an energy bill.  I love your helpful tips and comments; please share your advice on how you stay cool and save money in the summer heat.

1. You must open/vent your windows in your house. How to use your rolladens put your rolladens down on the side of house where the sun is hitting venting the windows, and keep the shaded rolladens up and open when possible if not vented, most of all wake up open the house sucking in all the crisp morning air, and again later at night when the sun goes down. Blow out the hot air, once it starts to cool down; I turn one fan to blow out the hot air and have one fan to suck in cold air. Close all rooms not being used. ***Please keep in mind safety for windows on the group floor***

2. For those who have ceiling fans during the summer you want the fan to blow air straight down, so your ceiling fan needs to run in a counterclockwise direction. Step a reminder to clean your fans weekly this helps save energy and cuts down on allergies.

*** Remember heat rises, and we want to move that heat out of the house.***

3. Change out the light bulbs switch to CFLs, or compact fluorescent lamps, this is it. Incandescent bulbs waste about 90 percent of their energy on the heat they emit and turn off all lights when possible uses the sun as your light, this not only helps keep your home cooler but also saves one your bills.

*** For those living on base/post check with your base housing self-help stores they have these bulbs. ***

4. Brush up on your grilling skills and dust off the crock pot.  I grill large about of meat for a few meals all at once. Only use the stove/oven in the early morning hours or later in the evening when the temperatures outside are most cooling.

5. Don’t use the dryer. Investing in some drying cloth racks for both indoors and outdoors, hanging your clothes to dry can helps save on your utility bills, keeps the temperature down in your home and helps your clothes last longer. ***Remember to vacuum your dryer vent, wash the dryer lint screen and clean behind both washer and dry, this not only cuts down on rising of fires but also save money when using your drier. ***

6. Make sure your heat it off in your home. Turn down your radiators to the little flake, if you have heated floors make sure it is off and turn off timer. *** If you are not sure how to shut off your heated floors ask your landlord or local neighbors***

7. Using the dishwasher early in the morning or at night when the temperature is lower. Turn off the auto dry and open your dishwasher up to air dry, this not only saves you from heating up your house but can save on your utility bills.  ***Make sure you regularly clean your dishwasher and use the correct cleaning agents this helps your dishwasher you less energy and may extend the life of your dishwasher. Here is a video http://suginscorner.com/what-is-up-with-my-european-dishwasher/  to help you learn how to clean your dishwasher deep. ***

8. Change your bedding, use lightweight sheets. Use cold bottles and place them under the layers before you get in. Go straight to the source, and put a cool-inducing pillow under your head while you sleep. For feet, fill a hot water bottle and put it in the freezer before placing at the foot of your bed. ***This may sound strange, but slightly dampening your sheets before bedtime will majorly help you chill out. ***

9. Unplug any electrical devices microwave, TV pc, phone carders and others not being used they do give off heat. *** This not only helps keep your home cooler but also cuts back on your bills. ***

If you have some tips that I have not listed that works for you, please add them in the comments or email them to sue@sugisncorner.com.