The experts at BC Hydro are always looking for ways to help customers economize by being energy-efficient without sacrificing comfort. That’s as true during the hot days of summer as it is the cold days of winter.
And if your home is on the market, making sure it’s comfortable for you also sends the message to prospective buyers that this is already a comfortable home in the summer.Courtesy of BC Hydro, then, here are some common-sense ideas to consider this summer:
Barbecue more! — Making your meals over coals outside, and not on the stove inside, keeps the house from heating up.
Ceiling fans — They should rotate counter-clockwise in the summer to create an artificial wind-chill effect when the temperature rises.
Window coverings — Use your curtains to block out the sun and heat, and tilt your blinds to deflect the light and heat.
Indoor/outdoor thermometer — When it’s cooler outside than inside, you know when to open the windows.
Windows that face the sun — Install awnings or shades, or plant trees, to prevent over-heating.
Air conditioning — Programmable thermostats keep your unit, no matter the type, from working when it doesn’t need to...that can reduce cooling costs by as much as 10 per cent.
Nature’s air conditioning — Keep doors and windows open strategically to create a cooling air flow through your home.
Clothes drying — In nice weather, your clothes will dry on racks outside without generating heat inside…and smell better, too!