Summer is finally here after a long, cold winter, and a delayed spring for much of the U.S. After months of finding inventive ways to stay warm, it is now time beat the heat. Keeping your house comfortable can result in hefty utility bills, but there are a number of low-tech solutions, such as retractable awnings, that can keep cooling costs low. Alternatively, you can enjoy your time outdoors and keep cool safely with a few simple tips. An obvious way to cool your house during the summer is to keep the sun out. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can reduce solar heat gain by 77 percent by using awnings on the south- and west- facing windows of your home. An advantage of opting for retractable awnings is that they can be closed during the winter when you want more sunlight to come into your house, or to warm your patio. Window treatments like drapes lined with light-colored fabric to reflect the sun can help keep your home cool as well. They should be closed during the hottest part of the day. Window film is another low-cost solution that blocks rays in the summer. One final way to keep the sun out of your house is by planting large, lush trees that leaf out in the spring. When the trees drop their leaves in the fall, they will let the sun in to warm your home. A number of small steps can also help keep your home cool. Appliances, like your coffee maker and television, also give off trace amounts of heat. Maximize your air conditioning by shutting off those appliances when not in use. If possible, save some of your chores for later at night, after it has cooled down. Cooking with an oven or on the range, running the dishwasher, and drying clothes all contribute to raising the temperature of your home. Even after you have taken small steps to cool your house, you will still use your air conditioner, so create conditions under which it can run efficiently. Whole house fans can exhaust hot air through your roof. Consider investing in a programmable air conditioner that will automatically cool your house when people will be home, and conserve energy when you are away. Finally, after being inside at work all day long, it can be nice to enjoy some time outdoors. Installing a retractable awning over your patio is one way to provide shade in your back yard. If you decide to exercise or do yard work in the heat, make sure you stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water or sports drink. Save your cocktail or glass of wine for after you replenish your fluids. Wearing long sleeves and pants made of gauzy material can also help keep you comfortable by protecting your skin from the sun. When you are ready to go inside for the night, taking a cool or cold shower can keep your core body temperature lowered for hours, so you can rely less on air conditioning. Don't let the heat melt away your summer. Read more about how Heat Exchange can help keep your home cool this summer at: http://www.heatexchangeonline.com
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