Grills Help You Stay Cool
Jul 8th, 2010 by Kathy
The longer this heat wave – as it has officially been declared – goes on, the harder it is to cool off, especially without spending a fortune on utilities. Heck, even during normal summer weather, it’s tough to stay comfortable and keep energy costs low; but when temperatures really soar, it’s a major challenge (that can make you really sore).
What makes it worse is that the higher-than-normal usage of cooling devices puts such an extraordinary demand on electric grids that there’s a greater chance of power outages. Therefore, you have to be aware of every appliance you use, and everything you do, which can further drain resources, while increasing the temperature in your home.
An oven, for example, in just the time it takes to bake cookies, can add at least 10 degrees to the room temperature, and 2%-5% to your cooling costs. You’re better off cooking on your grill (which you’re probably doing frequently, anyway), and eating at your picnic table, under a UV-resistant patio umbrella (or indoors, if it’s too hot outside). If you have to cook or (especially) bake, it’s best to do it in the morning or evening; and the same goes for running the dish washer and clothes dryer.
Another simple, yet effective, measure is to close the blinds on windows that get the most sunlight. When allowed to shine through, it can account for up to 20% of the heat in your home during the summer. Windows that face west are the biggest culprits, so cover them with reflective blinds or curtains in the afternoon. I do this every day, and it really works. Unfortunately, it also blocks the view of my birdfeeders and birdhouses; but, in this heat, I can put up with that for a few hours.
If it gets cool enough after sundown, you can give the air conditioner a break, and use window and ceiling fans to bring in the night air and help it to circulate. Just remember to close the windows in the morning, before the hot air makes its return. If your house isn’t air-conditioned, and it’s still too hot to sleep, lull yourself into drowsiness on a porch swing or an outdoor rocking chair before going to bed.
Of course, your air-conditioning system must also be operating at peak efficiency; and that will be impossible if any ducts are leaking. Moreover, besides being intact, ductwork must be balanced between the supply and return sides of the system; so, fixing one section could cause problems in another. Unless you really know what you’re doing, the safest thing to do is to have a professional check ducts, filters, coils, fans, and other components, and do any necessary repairs.
Indeed, the best way to combat high energy bills during a heat wave is to have all of your ducts in a row!
Yours (still, and unapologetically) Indoors,
Kathy







