Summer is the season of fun and relaxation, but it also brings along the heat that can be unbearable at times. While it may be tempting to turn on the air conditioning unit to keep cool, it can be a significant contributor to global warming.
Therefore, it’s essential to adopt eco-friendly practices that will help you stay cool and reduce your carbon footprint. In this blog post, we will share six planet-friendly tips to help you stay cool this summer.
1. Invest in an Ice Maker
Investing in an ice maker is a great way to keep cool during the summer, especially if you’re a fan of cold drinks. If you need a cold refreshing drink ready at your convenience, a Gevi Household nugget ice maker is a great addition to your home. Nugget ice, also known as chewable ice, is a popular type of ice that is soft, chewable, and easy to crush. An ice maker produces this type of ice, which is perfect for adding to your drinks, smoothies, or even using in cocktails. However, not all ice makers are created equal; some can be more environmentally friendly than others, so check the specifications carefully. Look for models with energy-efficient technology and low global warming potential. By using an ice maker that is energy efficient and eco-friendly, you can enjoy your cold drinks without worrying about harming the environment.
Investing in an ice maker can also help you reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of packaged ice you buy from stores. Packaged ice is usually made in large factories and shipped long distances, which requires a lot of energy and produces a lot of carbon emissions. By making your ice at home, you can reduce the amount of packaging waste you produce and your carbon footprint.
2. Plant Trees
Trees are a natural way to cool down the temperature around you. The shade they provide can reduce the amount of heat absorbed by your home and the surrounding areas. Planting trees on the south and west side of your home can help keep your house cooler and block out direct sunlight from entering through windows during the hottest parts of the day.
Trees also reduce home energy costs, providing a natural cooling effect that helps regulate temperatures inside your house throughout the year.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, planting trees can save up to 25% on energy bills. In addition, trees also absorb carbon dioxide, which is the main contributor to global warming. Planting a tree not only helps you stay cool but also helps the environment.
3. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Using energy-efficient appliances can help you save energy and money. For instance, an Energy Star-certified air conditioning unit can reduce your energy consumption by up to 15%. Similarly, switching to LED bulbs can save up to 75% of energy. When purchasing an appliance, make sure to check for its energy rating and choose the one with a higher rating.
4. Use Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation is an excellent way to cool down your home without using any energy. Open your windows during the cooler hours of the day to let fresh air in. To complement natural ventilation, light-colored window treatments can help reflect sunlight away from your home and decrease indoor temperatures. Heavy curtains, blinds or shades will prevent heat from coming into the home, while still allowing some natural light in. Look for materials like cotton or linen which are lightweight and breathable – this will allow hot air to escape while keeping cool air in.
5. Use Fans
Ceiling fans and portable fans are great alternatives to air conditioning. They use less energy and can help circulate cool air around your home. Fans work best when strategically placed near windows or doors to create cross ventilation. This will help move cool air throughout your home and take advantage of available breezes. A fan should always be used in conjunction with open windows or doors – this will allow hot air to escape from the room, creating a cooling effect inside. You can also place a bowl of ice in front of the fan to create a cool mist.
6. Reduce Your Home Temperature
The most effective way to reduce energy use is by lowering your thermostat setting a few degrees. Every degree lower reduces energy consumption significantly and can also save money on your energy bills. The US Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer (78-80 degrees Fahrenheit). You can also reduce your home temperature at night by a few degrees for additional savings.
Reducing heat sources also helps lower home temperature to keep you cool this summer. Appliances such as ovens, stovetops, and dryers produce heat that can raise the temperature in your home. Avoid using these appliances during the hottest parts of the day to reduce heat sources.
You can also switch to energy-efficient appliances that produce less heat, such as a microwave or a toaster oven. Cooking outdoors on a grill or having a cold meal like a salad can also help reduce heat sources in your home.
Following these simple steps, you can stay comfortable this summer without sacrificing energy efficiency or damaging the environment.
Remember that any changes you make now will result in long-term savings by reducing your energy bills and helping protect our planet for future generations. With a little effort, staying cool doesn’t have to hurt Mother Nature!
