Sentry Page Protection
Beat The Heat
In most parts of our great land, keeping cool and comfortable in summer can cost a lot of money. We have such long, dry and hot summers and the temptation to turn on the airconditioner and worry about the cost later is very strong. Here are some ways to keep your summer cool, and not blow the budget.
Keep the cool air inside. Close your external doors and windows early in the morning, before the sun gets up. Check the weather stripping to ensure it will keep out those hot northerly winds. Seal up any cracks around windows and doors for the same reason. Check your insulation. If you don't have any, do the best you can to get some. Insulating walls makes such a difference, but this is obviously best done during construction. If you are building at the moment, or are planning to in the future, cost in wall and ceiling insulation - the initial outlay is offset by the reduction in cooling and heating costs and the more comfortable living environment.
Get up early and close your drapes and blinds before the sun gets up too high. This will help to keep the sun's heat outside. It will also help to stop your expensive carpets and furnishings from fading.
If you have outside awnings - use them. Make sure they are down before the heat of the day and lift them after sunset, when the air is beginning to cool.
Don't block vents. Move your furniture away from air-conditioning vents and window units. Keep any shrubs outside trimmed so that they don't block any vents.
Grow deciduous trees. Plant them where they will shade your home from the suns hottest rays in summer, but will still let in the warmth during winter.
Check your air conditioners filters regularly - at least once a month. Vacuum or replace them as necessary for peak performance from the unit.
Don't over filter your swimming pool. Reducing your pool filtration by 50% can cut your electricity bill by up to $20 a month - may be more.
Use a swimming pool cover. You can save up to 80% of the cost of heating your pool by using a cover. You will also be able to cut down on the time spent skimming and cleaning because there is less rubbish to remove.
Make jelly pops for the children. Use a packet of jelly crystals dissolved in 1cup boiling water. Add another half-cup cold water and pour into icy pole moulds, freeze and then let the kids enjoy them.
If you must cook, try to do it outside. Barbecues are great - they are quick, generally easy, don't heat up the kitchen and you don't have piles of pots and pans to wash up!
Eat lots and lots of salads - they are easy to prepare and eaten icy cold from the fridge, they really cool you down. They don't have to be boring - try some of the delicious salad recipes in this edition and see what I mean.
Water your garden early in the morning or after the sun has gone down. This reduces the evaporation and by keeping your garden watered you are also helping to cool the air around your home.
Once the sun has gone over the horizon, its time to open up those drapes, pull the blinds, and make sure the doors and windows are open wide. Try to create a breezeway by opening them all - any breeze will then be able to blow right through and cool down the whole house.
If all else fails, pack up a picnic and a good book and take everyone off to the nearest park. Find a big, shady tree to sit under, and relax.
Keep the cool air inside. Close your external doors and windows early in the morning, before the sun gets up. Check the weather stripping to ensure it will keep out those hot northerly winds. Seal up any cracks around windows and doors for the same reason. Check your insulation. If you don't have any, do the best you can to get some. Insulating walls makes such a difference, but this is obviously best done during construction. If you are building at the moment, or are planning to in the future, cost in wall and ceiling insulation - the initial outlay is offset by the reduction in cooling and heating costs and the more comfortable living environment.
Get up early and close your drapes and blinds before the sun gets up too high. This will help to keep the sun's heat outside. It will also help to stop your expensive carpets and furnishings from fading.
If you have outside awnings - use them. Make sure they are down before the heat of the day and lift them after sunset, when the air is beginning to cool.
Don't block vents. Move your furniture away from air-conditioning vents and window units. Keep any shrubs outside trimmed so that they don't block any vents.
Grow deciduous trees. Plant them where they will shade your home from the suns hottest rays in summer, but will still let in the warmth during winter.
Check your air conditioners filters regularly - at least once a month. Vacuum or replace them as necessary for peak performance from the unit.
Don't over filter your swimming pool. Reducing your pool filtration by 50% can cut your electricity bill by up to $20 a month - may be more.
Use a swimming pool cover. You can save up to 80% of the cost of heating your pool by using a cover. You will also be able to cut down on the time spent skimming and cleaning because there is less rubbish to remove.
Make jelly pops for the children. Use a packet of jelly crystals dissolved in 1cup boiling water. Add another half-cup cold water and pour into icy pole moulds, freeze and then let the kids enjoy them.
If you must cook, try to do it outside. Barbecues are great - they are quick, generally easy, don't heat up the kitchen and you don't have piles of pots and pans to wash up!
Eat lots and lots of salads - they are easy to prepare and eaten icy cold from the fridge, they really cool you down. They don't have to be boring - try some of the delicious salad recipes in this edition and see what I mean.
Water your garden early in the morning or after the sun has gone down. This reduces the evaporation and by keeping your garden watered you are also helping to cool the air around your home.
Once the sun has gone over the horizon, its time to open up those drapes, pull the blinds, and make sure the doors and windows are open wide. Try to create a breezeway by opening them all - any breeze will then be able to blow right through and cool down the whole house.
If all else fails, pack up a picnic and a good book and take everyone off to the nearest park. Find a big, shady tree to sit under, and relax.