With the current heat wave we’re experiencing, it’s a great time to talk about ways to keep your home cool and how to do it efficiently to save money and energy. Obviously the best way to keep your home cool during the summer is to use an air conditioner to keep the temperature down, but there are other options that don’t raise your energy bill quite significantly.

1. The best way the house cool is to keep the heat out. Keep as much of the sunlight out as possible by providing effective shade for windows. You can also use white or light coloured window coverings to reflect light.

2. Moving air is cooler air so take advantage of ceiling fans. Be sure to use the correct setting and that your ceiling fan is blowing the air down.

3. Be aware of where heat is coming from. Common sources are; appliances, electronic devices and lighting. If you do use an air conditioner, use it wisely. Don’t put lamps, TV’s or other appliances that generate heat next to your A/C thermostat, because the heat will make the A/C run longer.

4. Try to avoid heat generating activities, such as cooking at the hottest point in the day and using the dishwasher. The less heat you have in your home, the less energy you use to cool it.

5. Turn off your lights when you’re not using them. Replace your lights with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs which use 75% less energy and create 70-90% less heat. Regular lights give off 10% light and 90% heat, while CFLs give off 90% light and 10% heat.

6. Insulate your home. A home that has well-insulated walls and attic will actually keep the heat out of the house in hot seasons.

7. Install attic vents. A cooler attic can make a huge difference to the temperature of the house.