As summer approaches and temperatures rise, energy bills often follow suit as air conditioners work overtime. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your home cool while maintaining energy efficiency and keeping costs manageable.
While air conditioning is a lifesaver during sweltering heat, it comes with environmental trade-offs. Air conditioners are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which exacerbate global warming and lead to more extreme heat waves. Scientists warn that temperatures are expected to rise annually, but you can strike a balance between staying comfortable and reducing environmental impact.
Here are 12 practical tips to help:
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Blocked vents and dirty filters hinder airflow, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Regularly cleaning the vents, filters, and ducts—or hiring a professional to do so—ensures smooth airflow, improving efficiency and lowering energy costs.
2. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Even if you handle basic cleaning yourself, it’s wise to have a professional inspect your air conditioning system. They can identify issues such as faulty wiring or poor airflow, helping prevent costly repairs later.
3. Maintain a Consistent Temperature
Avoid large temperature fluctuations during the day. Keeping the thermostat steady reduces strain on your air conditioner during peak heat hours.
4. Opt for a Higher Temperature
Setting the thermostat to around 70°F instead of lower temperatures can cut energy use by up to 20%. Lowering the temperature too much not only increases costs but also impacts the environment.
5. Turn It Off When Possible
Take advantage of cooler nights and breezy weather by turning off the air conditioner and opening windows. When no one is home, turn off the system or set it to a higher temperature (around 70°F) to conserve energy and give the unit a break.
6. Be Mindful of Peak Hours
Energy usage peaks in the afternoon and evening when temperatures are highest. Spend time at cooler spots, such as a local pool, lake, or air-conditioned public space, to reduce reliance on your air conditioner during these hours.
7. Close Windows During the Day
If you’ve enjoyed cool night breezes with open windows, remember to shut them in the morning to keep the rising heat out.
8. Block Out Sunlight
Closing blinds or curtains during the day can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your home, keeping your air conditioner from overworking.
9. Use Fans Alongside Your Air Conditioner
Ceiling fans are excellent for circulating cool air, allowing you to rely less on your air conditioner while maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.
10. Cook Strategically
Minimize the use of heat-producing appliances during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for microwave or slow cooker meals instead of using the oven. Alternatively, prepare cold dishes like salads or charcuterie boards to keep your home cool.
11. Improve Ventilation and Insulation
Proper insulation is key to efficient cooling. Seal any cracks or gaps, use weatherstripping, and ensure your attic or basement is well-insulated to prevent cool air from escaping.
12. Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Although smart thermostats require an upfront investment, their programmable features help optimize energy usage. They can adjust temperatures automatically while you’re away, ensuring efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
By adopting these tips, you can enjoy a cooler, more energy-efficient summer while keeping costs—and your environmental impact—in check.
Tallulah, Bruce Willis’ daughter, shared a heartfelt message about her dad as he faces a challenging battle with dementia. She expressed her deep love and support for him during this tough time.
Tallulah Willis (left) and Bruce Willis (Getty Images)
Tallulah, Bruce Willis’ daughter, recently shared an update on how her family is coping with his dementia diagnosis. Bruce, 69, has frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a rare type of dementia that affects behavior and language and gets worse over time.
Tallulah admitted that she’s just starting to really deal with her emotions about her dad’s condition, after trying to avoid them before. On Instagram, she posted pictures of them together, saying, “I love this guy so much. It’s hard to feel these emotions, but I’m thankful I can now instead of pushing them away.”
She also shared some old photos of them hugging, having dinner, and looking through his old magazine covers, calling them memories “from the forever archives.” Last month, she spoke on the Today Show, saying that while Bruce is stable, it’s a tough situation with good and bad days, but there’s still a lot of love in their family.
Tallulah, Bruce Willis’ daughter, shared that her dad’s diagnosis has taught her to use her time more wisely and appreciate every moment she spends with her family, especially with him.
She said, “It’s made me realize not to take any moment for granted, and I really believe we’d be best friends. I think he’s very proud of me. You have to live in the moment and be present.”
In March 2022, Bruce was first diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that affects communication skills. Later, his other daughter, Rumer, shared that he got a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a rare and more aggressive type of dementia.
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