50 Shades of Ahhhhhhh....

New Englanders LOVE to ask about the weather. Most recently we had a few days of triple digit temperatures. It had everyone answering the question, “How is it out there?” with, “It’s a real scorcher.”

When temperatures here reach “scorcher” level windows are adorned with air conditioning units. But not every home goes through this trouble. After all, we are New Englanders and if we “lived for 40 years in this house without air conditioning, we’re not going to start now.” (thanks Mom) How do these homes stay cool in this oppressive heat? Well, growing up in a home without A/C taught me a few tips that I use in our home now. On moderately warm days these tips keep our home cool and comfortable. Not to mention keep our electric bill lower.

First tip – Close your windows and your blinds! Our home is south facing so in the morning on those scorcher days I make sure to close the blinds tight. My mom taught me as a kid to close you blinds so the smooth side is on the outside. This creates a better reflective service for the sun.

Second tip – Install ceiling fans. Our home has a second level and in the rooms upstairs there are ceiling fans. These are great at night for circulating air while we sleep or work. The fan on the right speed and the window open can actually get chilly on certain nights.

Third tip – Open the right windows at the right time. When temperatures outside start to cool off, usually in the evening, open the windows. We live on a hill and have the most amazing breeze that is pretty constant. The windows that I like to leave open are on the second floor. It keeps the temperature up there bearable and allows the natural flow of air to feel like air conditioning.

Fourth tip – Ice Cream!!! Ok, well not just ice cream, but eating cooler foods and drinking cooler beverages will actually help you feel more comfortable in your home. Plus you have an excuse to always have Raspberry Sorbet sitting in your freezer. You can take your sorbet and a good book out in to the yard, sit in the shade and enjoy being outside, ahhhhhhhhhhh….

When it comes down to it, if the temperatures outside are truly at death con scorcher level, you may not have any other choice but to run the A/C. We have two very furry little kitties who on those days need to be provided with relief. The best thing is to set your units at a temperature within the 70 degrees range, whatever is comfortable for your home. Close your windows and blinds. If your unit comes with a clock, set the timer. If you know the hottest time of the day is going to be from 11am – 2pm, set your unit to run then. I like to make sure I have unplugged as much as I can on these days to cut down on the electricity.