As summer approaches and temperatures rise, energy bills often follow suit as air conditioners work overtime. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your home cool while maintaining energy efficiency and keeping costs manageable.
While air conditioning is a lifesaver during sweltering heat, it comes with environmental trade-offs. Air conditioners are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which exacerbate global warming and lead to more extreme heat waves. Scientists warn that temperatures are expected to rise annually, but you can strike a balance between staying comfortable and reducing environmental impact.
Here are 12 practical tips to help:
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Blocked vents and dirty filters hinder airflow, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Regularly cleaning the vents, filters, and ducts—or hiring a professional to do so—ensures smooth airflow, improving efficiency and lowering energy costs.
2. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Even if you handle basic cleaning yourself, it’s wise to have a professional inspect your air conditioning system. They can identify issues such as faulty wiring or poor airflow, helping prevent costly repairs later.
3. Maintain a Consistent Temperature
Avoid large temperature fluctuations during the day. Keeping the thermostat steady reduces strain on your air conditioner during peak heat hours.
4. Opt for a Higher Temperature
Setting the thermostat to around 70°F instead of lower temperatures can cut energy use by up to 20%. Lowering the temperature too much not only increases costs but also impacts the environment.
5. Turn It Off When Possible
Take advantage of cooler nights and breezy weather by turning off the air conditioner and opening windows. When no one is home, turn off the system or set it to a higher temperature (around 70°F) to conserve energy and give the unit a break.
6. Be Mindful of Peak Hours
Energy usage peaks in the afternoon and evening when temperatures are highest. Spend time at cooler spots, such as a local pool, lake, or air-conditioned public space, to reduce reliance on your air conditioner during these hours.
7. Close Windows During the Day
If you’ve enjoyed cool night breezes with open windows, remember to shut them in the morning to keep the rising heat out.
8. Block Out Sunlight
Closing blinds or curtains during the day can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your home, keeping your air conditioner from overworking.
9. Use Fans Alongside Your Air Conditioner
Ceiling fans are excellent for circulating cool air, allowing you to rely less on your air conditioner while maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.
10. Cook Strategically
Minimize the use of heat-producing appliances during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for microwave or slow cooker meals instead of using the oven. Alternatively, prepare cold dishes like salads or charcuterie boards to keep your home cool.
11. Improve Ventilation and Insulation
Proper insulation is key to efficient cooling. Seal any cracks or gaps, use weatherstripping, and ensure your attic or basement is well-insulated to prevent cool air from escaping.
12. Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Although smart thermostats require an upfront investment, their programmable features help optimize energy usage. They can adjust temperatures automatically while you’re away, ensuring efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
By adopting these tips, you can enjoy a cooler, more energy-efficient summer while keeping costs—and your environmental impact—in check.
The tattooed “Black Alien” has difficulty finding work because of his appearance, see what he looked like before
Anthony claims that despite making significant changes, including removing his upper lip earlier this year, he feels he has only achieved 34 percent of his transformation goals.
For over a decade, Anthony has been engaging in extreme body modifications and taking risks, such as getting eyeball tattoos that temporarily compromise his vision. His quest for an extraordinary look led him to have both ears removed and his tongue surgically split.
To achieve his desired changes, Anthony has traveled the world and undergone medical procedures in countries where such changes are prohibited in France. Last year, he traveled to Spain to have his nose surgically removed. His face now has structured, defined lines, thanks to dermal implants that accentuate his cheekbones.
With a remarkable Instagram following of 718,000 under the pseudonym Black Alien Project, Anthony continues to captivate audiences with his tireless efforts to transform his appearance.
In a recent post, Anthony showed off his latest modification, a surgically altered “alien claw” with a fresh scar. He captioned the image, “Cultivating my inner peace.” His bold changes often elicit mixed reactions; some admire his bravery, others are skeptical.
One commenter described Anthony’s transformation as both disturbing and fascinating, expressing admiration despite not being able to take such a path himself. Another congratulated him on his progress, calling it “incredibly wonderful.”
Conversely, some critics oppose it, arguing that his modifications show a lack of respect for those who have lost limbs and are looking for ways to adapt.
Despite the mixed feedback, Anthony remains committed to his transformation journey, a passion he has had since his youth. In a 2017 interview with French newspaper Midi Libre, he shared: “During my time as a security guard, I realized that I was not living the life I wanted. At 24, I made the brave decision to leave everything behind and travel to Australia. It has become second nature for me to constantly keep an eye on and plan my future steps.”
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