Question of the Week: How do you save energy during a heat wave?
Posted on July 27th, 2009 - 10:30 AMTweet
Keeping cool in hot weather usually takes energy – turning up the air conditioner, driving to a swimming spot, and more. But using more energy can affect the environment, too. Share how you keep from losing your cool.
How do you save energy during a heat wave?
Each week we ask a question related to the environment. Please let us know your thoughts as comments. Feel free to respond to earlier comments or post new ideas. Previous questions.
Tags: heat wave, save energy
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Question of the Week
July 27th, 2009 at 11:08 am
What is the point of this if you provide questions instead of answers to these basic delimnas. The traditional solutions work, and if you don’t provide low cost (or any) alternatives then what’s the point of this?
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July 27th, 2009 at 11:11 am
I use ceiling fans and an attic fan rather then a/c they cool the house faster and with less electricity
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July 27th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Drink a lot of water. Never drink bottled water however. It is easy to put your own water in a container!
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Steven reply on October 22, 2010 8:40 am:
During the day I’ll cool myself by wrapping my hands on a bottle of cool water and drink lots of it while lounging on the bench of my portico with a nice hat and sunglasses on…chill!
on the other hand, why not use hand fans instead of ceiling fans?
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July 27th, 2009 at 11:31 am
We use magnetic vent covers for area of house not in use during A/C (and heat times). We have a 3 story home. During the day, we are not upstairs in the bedrooms, so we close the vents and put magentic vent covers on top. The problem is with just closing the vent, you still lose a lot of A/C or heat. The vent cover eliminates lost of that loss (check yourself – next time A/C is blasting, go to a floor vent, close it and see how much you can still feel blowing through there).
This (a) reduces all that loss and (b) it actually cools down the part of the house we are in faster. Looking at our bills, we calculate we reduce A/C energy use and costs by about 25% this way. Simple and cheap!
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Brian reply on August 5, 2009 8:34 am:
The idea of covering/closing vents in rooms not used has merits and increases overall system pressure, but only if the ductwork is well-sealed. Read EPA’s fact sheets on sealing ducts, which is a huge issue in older and cheaply built homes. Where outlet vents connect to ducts and ducts come in to floors/walls should be sealed to prevent conditioned air loss to unconditioned space. Accessible ducts in unconditioned spaces should be sealed with foil tape (not duct tape) or duct mastic. Otherwise, closing a vent can backpressure the air flow and cause it to leak out of “loose” duct connections even faster. EPA estimates duct losses could equal 40% of total air handler output in a bad house.
I like your idea. Just make sure you have a well sealed system to maximize your benefit.
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Paul Kotrappa reply on August 8, 2010 2:39 pm:
AC technician who came to do routine servicing, closing vents in unused rooms pressurises the system. This is not good for the sytem and reduces the life of the sytem.
Design assumes that the vents are open.
As a user I am confused, whether to seal the vents in unused rooms or not?
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July 27th, 2009 at 11:36 am
I don’t use air conditioning at home, haven’t for over 30 years. I use ceiling fans, I have very energy efficient windows and doors to keep out heat during the day. And I pour a cool drink, move the lawn chair to a shady spot and put my feet into a 50 gallon water trough filled with water which doubles as the cool off spot for my dogs!
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July 27th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Lights off when ever possible (we have cfl’s so it is not so much a heat issue anymore). Use shades and curtains. Use the basement family room as it is cooler than the living room. BBQ instead of cooking inside – or cool foods like salads to keep us cooler. Fans were already mentioned. Thermostat up even higher when we are gone for the day. Shade trees by house. Keep the garage door down. Unneeded heating items (washer, dryer, computers, etc), kept off till it cools down.
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July 27th, 2009 at 11:40 am
I keep my thermostat on 82-84F. Use ceiling fans only in rooms that are occupied. I purchased a oscillating fan on a stand …easy to move and use it , especially in the kitchen. Eat salads – dishes that do not require the oven or top of the stove. Use the microwave. Keep blinds partially closed and keep all lights off unless you are occupying that room. Maybe a lamp. I know that sounds dark, dreary & dull….but I stay in my living area most of the time and have a sheer curtain over the patio door and do get plenty of light. I have a very efficient storm door at the front of the house and keep it open until the sun moves over the house. I have two cats so I leave the ceiling fans on in rooms where they stay during the day while I am work.
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July 27th, 2009 at 11:41 am
I have my fans plugged to a motion detection switch (i.e. SensorSwitch) that turns the fans on when I’m in the room, and automatically shuts them off after I leave. The SensorPlug costs less than $15 and is well worth it.
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July 27th, 2009 at 11:42 am
I keep as many windows open as I can and dress in lightweight fabrics that breathe.
If that fails to provide relief, then I use a small fan directed to wherever it is I am working or resting.
Wetting a cloth and placing that on the back of your neck will also help keep you comfortable.
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July 27th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Ceiling fans are set on low and are used 27/7 during the year. I also set my thermostat at one level and keep it there during the heat wave times. If it gets cool at night, I turn it up to 80 and leave it there during the nights. Living in South Alabama requires a constant watch on temperatures. I have my office in my home so that requires a more constant temperature control than if I were only here during the evening hours. I also pull electronics out of the sockets that I only use once a day or week such as my washer and dryer, my microwave, additional lights, and turn off my printers when not in use at night. Taking small steps towards decreasing use of electricity will save on bills and is better for the environment.
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July 27th, 2009 at 11:44 am
we utilize a fan with rechargeable batteries and sit outside more – and when the wind is blowing just right – a hose with tiny holes is hoisted above to spray us with a fine mist of water
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July 27th, 2009 at 11:48 am
There are some great ways to cool off that require little to no energy. If you live near a lake or stream, walk or ride your bike to it and enjoy the day. If you have a pool, invite the neighbors over for a pool party. Instead of sitting in your house in the air conditioning, find a shady spot outdoors, somewhere that has been in the shade for at least an hour; you’ll be surprised how cool it is. Shut off all lights; it will save energy and keep you cooler. And remember, fans are for cooling people, not rooms; if you’re not in a room, shut off the fan.
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July 27th, 2009 at 11:51 am
We keep all the windows closed, drapes drawn and spend time in our basement. We set our air conditioner for 78 degrees and will use the furnace fan to circulate the basement’s cooler air throughout the house. When we are outside, we make use of our patio umbrellas, or move the chairs under the old oak tree. We do as much as we can in the early morning or wait until evening hours – or delay chores to a cooler day. We let the grass grow a bit longer and cut less frequently (grass is 3 inches ).
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July 27th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Crank up the A/C and turn on the fans.
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July 27th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I turn on my air conditioner really high and open the windows. This way, I’ll stop the heatwave, and then people won’t need to turn their air conditioners on AND I’ll help fight global warming!
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July 27th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
si mantienes fresca tu cara podrás mantener fresco tu rostro.
Masticar cubitos de hielo ayuda a mantenerte fresco y es algo super economico, Tambien recuerda que en una casa de dos plantas el lugar mas cálido durante el día es la segunda planta, pero en la noche el lugar mas caliente es la primera planta, es una rareza pero es cierto, evita estar en la segunda planta durante el día, asi estarás mas fresco en la primera planta.
Un remedio casero para quitarte el calor es el siguiente:}
necesitas una gaseosa (soda) que esté helada y que sea de sabor “sprite” o “fresca”, le agregas un poco de limón a tu gusto y lueg agregas sal y verás que hace efervecencia, lo agitas un poco y luego lo bebes, en 3 minutos abrás dejado de sudar y comenzaras a sentir heladito dentro de ti y te sentirás fresco..!
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July 27th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
I use ceiling fans and by using fans rather then a/c= less electricity.
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July 27th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
I belong to the off peak/on peak plan here in Arizona. The temperature is lowered on my programmable thermomstat during off peak times when energy rates are lower and that seems to cool the house enough during on peak times when my thermostat is programmed at higher temperatures. Also, my pond pump is programmed to go off during on peak times. At this time, I use a bubbler for my Koi pond and the fish seem to do just fine. My monthly bill has gone down at least 25% in the summer. Not bad when it is 113 C.
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July 27th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
we do not use AC in summer we just planted more tress around the house and we sprinkle water so it keep temp. down..and we keep windows open so it ventilate house n help in to down temp.
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July 27th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I go to the pool!
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July 27th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Hang a set of dark tab curtains on existing rungs, pareos on IKEA clip rungs over smaller windows to shade interior from UV heat during day. We added efficient windows a couple of years ago and I keep those closed unless we have a cool morning breeze. I cook a veggie casserole early in am to reheat in microwave by portion for following couple of days. Or we eat fresh veggies raw from garden with cheese and crackers (or bread). I water vegetables very early or very late and only every couple of days, individually to limit water use. Swapped out all aerators with reducers & shower heads to 1.5. Shade lettuce with fabric, mulch with straw.
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July 27th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
We use a Sun Oven. It cooks food perfectly, doesn’t use energy to heat the oven or stove, and doesn’t heat up the house thus helping to keep the AC costs down. We actually use it year round as it is so well insulated the cold doesn’t affect the heating and cooking. The food is very moist and tasty. The power of the sun is incredible.
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July 27th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I put a bed in the cellar, the cellar is that no A/C or fans are needed. No electricity at all.
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July 27th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
In our house (in South Carolina) we use moving, dry air. Ceiling fans and a dehumidifier are worth a 5 to 6 degree higher setting on the house A/C system…
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July 27th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
The humidity is more problematic for human respiratory system than hot weather. In this circumstance the truth would be that; the (A.C.) systems would be better for human respiratory than open widows allowing this air humidity penetrating into homes.
In my concern, to better preserve this precious energy, my showers timing would be increasing, I have been keeping all widows open. In case of high humidity, I have been opening my (A.C.) systems for 15 minutes in 24 hours in order that I would be able to balance humidity inside. While outside, I have being in search of eco-systems like Park Street in Massachusetts where trees and riverside would able to balance humidity again.
When the humidity starts decreasing at night my widows are opening again to take some cool natural co2.
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July 27th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Well, I generally enjoy taking a cold shower then running around the house with my hair dripping wet, it feels awesome. We also have a pool within walking distance that we can take a dive into. Or even taking a few wash clothes, getting them soaking wet and then throwing them at each other in a water fight always helps! And it keeps things flowing positively :)
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July 27th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
I keep the blinds drawn during the day to keep the sun out. I use ceiling as well as floor fans to keep the air circulating. I open as many windows as I safely can during the night and let in the cool air. I also have a community pool a short walk from my place so I don’t have to drive anywhere to cool off.
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July 27th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
The population keeps growing and demanding more electricity to survive the summer heat, so whatever efficiencies you install are overwhelmed. The problem is too many people. So, peacefully reduce the human population and recycle 100% of all waste and garbage. Otherwise, you’re just shoveling tech sand against the tide of overpopulation.
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July 28th, 2009 at 1:18 am
we usually go swimming at a lake or pool, open windows to the house, drink lots of water..however, since i live in New Mexico, sometimes the heat is very hard to escape. so when we get desperate we all sit in one room of the house together with a couple floor fans
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July 28th, 2009 at 6:59 am
The best way to keep heat away from your home is to use solar energy or a hybrid photovoltaic energy. The industries or companies which installs these provide us with solar storage D.C. batteries. They also use Light Emitting Diode [L.E.D.] lights and fans which run with help of such D.C. batteries. They are one time investment helping us keep cool [not at expense of electricity]. Thus providing self satisfaction about our contribution to the nature.
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July 28th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Lots of good ideas and plans above. Another is to keep your furnace filter clean. It is also your air conditioner filter in most cases.
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July 28th, 2009 at 8:46 am
What’s a heat wave? I live in Florida…we call it weather!
To cope with it, alternate working in the sun with relaxing in the shade. Work slowly and deliberately, not like a stock trader on the floor of the exchange. Drink water, but don’t overdo it. Take sips of tepid stuff; ice cold will cramp you. Avoid a heavy meal; the Mexicans down here eat a cold gazpacho served in taco shells at lunch. Works better than pizza or bologna sandwiches. Eat lots of bananas!
After a day of this in the heat, indoors will seem like it’s air conditioned.
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July 28th, 2009 at 11:41 am
If you are able to, open some windows and get a breeze going in house at night. Use at least 2 fans and even a oven fan to circulate air and get air interchange. Wear light clothing and sleep on sheets. Turn off the heat on water bed if you use one. Eat salads and lessen cooking. I nap on my apartment balcony. Keep doors and windows closed in daytime to retain cool air.
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July 28th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
We have no air conditioning and live in California. There are no attics, rather attic space, where we open the ceiling hatch and put a high intensity fan on a tall vertical table right under the open hatch. With fan pointing straight up into the attic, at the highest speed, we blow the hot air out of the attic from about 12pm to dusk. In our area plumbing is in the attic where pipes work like old metal heating systems so, at periodic times we turn on the water, in about 3 minutes, flush out the hot water in those attic pipes so they don’t work like a metal heater. We keep the curtains cracked for light, and use a smaller house fan circulating air in inhabited rooms. We NEVER use the conventional oven, we use the microwave. And we don’t have a lot of TVs or appliances running, they produce heat.
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July 28th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Living in Naples, Fl I do use the AC, but the use of Fans is what makes it feel comfortable. Also during the day keeping the blinds closed to stop the sun from beating in, but enough light comes in to keep the lights off. Other things that work, alot of cold water, light clothes and a cool shower keeps my electric bill about $80/month, that’s about $2.60/day or $.10/hour to be comfortable in Naples in July. That’s not too bad.
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July 28th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Pretty much everything has been covered. Ultimately it depends on the conditions of your home and the situation you are in, but don’t underestimate the easy solutions over more technical ones. Wearing less/lighter clothes, moving to cooler areas of the house, walking to local pools, and minimizing the help of technology all contribute to energy conservation.
However if one must use electricity, then take the advice of the comments above.
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July 28th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
I use the air conditioner but I have it set on a phermastat so it comes on and goes off automatically. But it is set high enough it only comes on the hottest days for about half an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. I turn the a/c off when I am away at work. My condo building is in a good spot with lots of trees to shade it and on the ground floor so it only gets direct sun a shortpheriod each day. Michael E. Bailey.
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July 28th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
We live in the Midwest, and what we do to cope with extreme heat in our living space, is fairly simple. When we’re not home during the day we kick the temperature up to 86 F. The thermostat is down stairs and the bed rooms are upstairs, so in the summer when the AC is on in the evening we have the vents closed and blocked additionally with magnetic strips to force the cold air upstairs. We also make sure that all doors to the rooms are closed, we have bathrooms and closests that vent to the attic and we make sure that those doors stay closed as much as possible to make sure that the precious cold air doesn’t ecaspe to the attic.
Something that helps year round, make sure that you have enough insulation in that attic. We increased our insulation, and our AC comes on 2 to 3 weeks later than our neighbors and our heat the same.
Other neighbors have had reflective material placed on their windows in addition to the light blocking material for curtians. This has also contributed to the decrease of energy for those neighbors.
We also try to run fans when we are in the room rather than all day when we are not around.
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July 29th, 2009 at 8:53 am
a wonderful thought i must agree, and these are small things that people in the ancient times did take care about
1. cross ventilators to be left open for the natural air to pass through the rooms- possible in india
2. during afternoons draw the curtains and wet them if possible this will cool the atmosphere or the room
3. dont rush into tasks work slow to reduce the heat
4. make cool drinks using ingredients like khus, mint, rose, or seeds used in indian falooda this will give a cool feeling inside
5. avoid cold water as it simple makes you want to drink less, instead drink water stored in an earthen pot
6 bath with water stored overnight – it would have cooled in temperature
7. wear sunglasses- uv protected
8. rub lime as a sunscreen or mix lime, a pinch of turmeric in unboiled milk – apply it every morning or night and wash it off after it has dried ..it works as a moisturizer cum sunscreen lotion
9. wear only cotton clothes helps your body breathe
10. instead of hot water steam use ice to rub on your face as a facial – keeps you cool – you could use natural products like cucumber or coriander leaves paste as a face pack too
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July 30th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Keep all the windows open (no AC), drink lots of water and tea, unplug everything (except fridge/freezer – need that ice!), ride my bike everywhere (catch a nice breeze and no GHG-global warming, no heat-puffing engine, no tailpipe smog).
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July 30th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Keeping our home cool is a constant problem. We limit the sun in our upstairs rooms by drawing the shades. Keeping windows and doors closed helps.
Our basement is cool which is next to our kitchen, so we sometimes open the basement door for a cooler temperature.
We use the air conditioner and ceiling fans on a limited basis. Our air conditioner has a timer to limit the time it is used.
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July 30th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
To save a ton of money and energy I turn off my water heater in the summer. THe water is cool and refreshing so I don’t need hot water. If a need arises that I do need to turn it on, I do so just long enough to get the heater warmed up then I turn it off again. So far I am saving over $30 a month on my electric bill. And, of course I have done other things like changing the light bulbs, keep power to computer and other devices unplugged when not using.
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Brian reply on August 5, 2009 8:41 am:
Interesting suggestion. I’m curious as to your water supply. I have well water that is a constant 55 degrees F, and I think a shower in that might cause system shock and potential cardiac arrest. Many people won’t swim in a pool under 70 degrees. Going from warm air (say 80-90 degrees) to cold water may be a bit much for most people.
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July 31st, 2009 at 10:18 pm
We move the big red lever on our home’s circuit breaker to the “OFF” position, put on our bathing suits, and go to the beach.
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August 3rd, 2009 at 9:09 am
I keep the windows open at night when it’s cool, and close them and the curtains to keep it cool and dark inside the apartment while i’m at work.
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August 5th, 2009 at 8:37 am
1.office, college,schools etc should start an hour earlier so as to utilize the maximum amount of natural light this will considerably reduce energy consumption.
2.Keep your curtains drawn to block out the sun.
3.use CFLs as they save more than 65% on your lighting bills and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
4.Wash only full loads in your clothes washer and dishwashers.
5.if using an ac shut all the vents in the room.
6.keep the refrigerator full as a full refrigerator uses less energy compared to a empty one.
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August 6th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Four years ago I installed a ductless mini-split AC system in my ductless F.W. house. It is very efficient and affordable but the best part is that it gives me the option to just dehumidify, which is a huge cost and energy savings and all I need 95% of the time to be comfortable.
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August 31st, 2009 at 10:04 pm
My attic door is in my garage. Does it make any difference, as far as heating/cooling the hose if it is left down?
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September 14th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Leave all the windows and doors open and turn the fans on, airflow is a great way to keep cool. http://freeenergy2010.blogspot.com/
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November 27th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Get heavy curtains and keep them drawn during the hot part of the day. Most curtains will have a pale lining on the inner side which will reflect the heat.
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January 12th, 2010 at 10:55 am
Buy thermal blackout roller blinds.. keep the heat in
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January 18th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
I try to keep wind flow through the house. Especially if you live in areas where it is windy, utilize the history of wind power by creating turbines for the roof which can assist in the energy consumption needed to keep the A/C running during those hot summer days.
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February 23rd, 2010 at 6:25 am
Yes, I completely agree with John Patterson
Hohm is a free web service that helps you understand your home energy use and how to be more energy-efficient.
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Sonya reply on February 23, 2010 6:27 am:
i have visited this blog several times and have always got unique answers to conserve energy..
thanks for the post: John and Gary
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March 2nd, 2010 at 7:52 pm
When operating air conditioning equipment in a heat wave or any other time. Make sure you change your furnace filter regularly. Dirty furnace filters reduce equipment operating efficiency and can cause equipment failure.
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March 3rd, 2010 at 8:07 pm
We tend to sleep out of doors in a cabana at night, and wear light clothing (sundresses, light shirts) during the day.
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June 21st, 2010 at 12:34 am
I try to keep doors closed.
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August 20th, 2010 at 5:13 am
As a plumber I always advise people to set our radiators to come on a certain times of the day when people will be at home. It can be a waste of energy and money to have them on all day long
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August 21st, 2010 at 5:38 am
Some ideas I got from 25 Green Tips were:
1. Install a ceiling fan.
2. Set the setpoint on the thermostat to 76 degrees, so the AC will only kick on when temperatures rise above this.
During a heat wave, maybe set the thermostat setpoint much higher.
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September 12th, 2010 at 9:44 am
thanks for the tip mate by the way, what is the best sun protection that I can used that can be found at my kitchen?
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September 17th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
It’s easy to save energy in a heatwave, but it does depend on what you are trying to achieve:
1) harnessing the heat. To do this, you can buy and install solar cells, or solar heaters, that are able to absorb heat and light photon energy and convert it into something you can use, normally electricity.
2) warming up your home. This is self explanatory – just keep your windows, doors and curtains open during the day to let heat in, and close them at night to keep the heat from going back out.
3) You can also use the heat to dry your clothes instead of using a drying machine. Studies show that clothes dried in natural heat last longer and perform better than those that are dryed in a dryer. it also saves you cash when it comes to paying your energy bills.
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September 22nd, 2010 at 8:27 am
I think we can use some heatpump products for cooling. Government should provide more bonus on replacement of energy saving products. Such as solar system, Wind turbine, china-heatpump.
Economical method is the best way to encourage people to pay attention to the energy saving.
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September 24th, 2010 at 9:40 am
I use most of my ceiling fans around the house rather than using the a/c they cool the house faster and use less electricity.
I also just got a new cooling fan for my computer which is far better and saves a possible crashdown.
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September 24th, 2010 at 9:42 am
I use most of my ceiling fans around the house rather ththan using the a/c they cool the house faster and use less electricity.
I also just got a new cooling fan for my computer which is far better and saves a possible crashdown.
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October 20th, 2010 at 5:15 am
it would be more ideal if you try to fight off the heat with minimal appliance use. try spending your time in a shade or just keep the windows open. if you have a ceiling fan, then use it rather than your a/c, as it uses too much energy. and it would be better if you can save more water. using a cup for getting water when you brush your teeth would cost you less than leaving the tap open.
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October 21st, 2010 at 4:36 am
if you have an electric fan, better use it rather than your air conditioning unit. it consumes too much electricity which is kind of a waste. and if you are imaginative enough, why not go the next door neighbor and have a chat. and if they have a pool, why not have a pool party, courtesy of your neighbor with a clean pool maintained by the best pool cleaner.
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November 4th, 2010 at 4:10 am
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February 18th, 2011 at 5:54 am
I hate morobykes and trucks! they should be forbidden! People should use railway!
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April 2nd, 2011 at 6:46 am
thanks for your info…nice article…this is very helpfull for me… :)
VNM
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April 5th, 2011 at 11:55 am
How about moving towards smaller split air conditioner or ptacs that require less energy? Have a few cool rooms and use fans in the other rooms. Instead of relying solely on technology, just adjust the typical users’ attitude and actions. Do I really need the upstairs bathroom to be 72deg. in summer when no one is going up there anyway?
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October 3rd, 2011 at 3:24 am
I love Jerome’s tactic for staying cool without using energy ;)
Take a walk next door and sip on theirs. Cool; without greenhouse gasses and power bills.
Well done Jerome.
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February 9th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
You can use ceiling fans to circulate the cool air. They can help you feel more comfortable at higher temperatures. It is best to turn the fan off when you leave the room since the fan does its job by cooling you — not the room.
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