Affordable tips for beating the summer heat
JOPLIN, Mo. — With some of the hottest weather of the year upon us, how can we keep our cool, so to speak, without breaking the bank?
Some of the same measures we take in winter to keep the cold out, can keep the cold in during the summer.
“By keeping your drapes closed, it keeps another barrier and it would be the same in the winter but that barrier keeps your house more comfortable, keeps that direct sun from penetrating through the glass and heating the room up,” said John Henkle, co-owner, Henkle’s Ace Hardware.
John Henkle is the co-owner of Henkle’s Ace Hardware in Webb City and Joplin and says there are some relatively inexpensive steps you can take to keep your home cool and your energy bill as low as possible this time of year.
He suggests things like sealing windows and doorways with insulation products.
What’s outside your home can also make a big difference.
“A shade or some structure to provide sun protection to your outside air conditioner unit, it’s surprising that a, you know, shade tree can save you twenty-five percent on your electric bill,” said Henkle.
To keep your HVAC system from running more than it needs to, make sure you change your filters as often as recommended by the manufacturer.
The less often your compressor kicks on, the lower your utility bill will be.
So he says to augment it through the use of fans.
“Fans will make you feel better, a ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise pushing the air down during the summer, but having a fan blow directly on you is going to make you feel more comfortable,” said Henkle.
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