Summer is bringing on the heat and you’re probably already thinking of ways to stay comfortable this season. Fans, air conditioners, and all cooling devices are at the ready, but what if you are trying to reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bill this summer?
This month, we share some of our favorite "out-of-the-box" sustainable methods to reduce energy use while keeping you cool from sunrise to sunset.
- Refresh Indoor Air: Instead of running a traditional humidifier, freshen indoor air by strategically placing large, leafy, water-loving plants like snake plants, spider plants, and aloe vera indoors. Watering them regularly releases moisture into the air, creating a natural cooling effect indoors. Bonus: Having enough of the right plants that add moisture to indoor air provides added health benefits.
- Design a Cooling Corner: Identify the coolest spots in your house at different times of the day and migrate to them. This might be the basement in the afternoon or a breezy porch in the evening. To make your space even cooler, try hanging a damp sheet or towel in front of an open window, creating a low-tech, energy-free air conditioner.
- Create a "Reverse Greenhouse" Effect: Employ a "reverse greenhouse" strategy at night: when it's cool outside, open windows fully and use fans to pull the cooler air indoors. Then, in the morning, shut everything tightly to trap that cool air inside, essentially using your house like a reverse greenhouse to maintain a cooler temperature for a longer period.
- Host a Cooling Co-op: Coordinate with neighbors to share the energy costs of cooling one designated home during extreme heat, providing a cool refuge for everyone. By sharing cooling equipment and practices, you can reduce overall energy consumption to help lower your energy bills.
These unique ideas can contribute to significant energy savings and help you stay comfortable during warm summer months. With a little effort and some creativity, you can strengthen your commitment to energy efficiency and save money.
Save energy and money -- check out SJG Energy Efficiency programs available exclusively for SJG customers.
