The USA Green Lady  

Summer is upon us and therefore that means that there will be warmer days ahead.  Depending upon where you live in the United States that could mean days with temperatures as high as 110 degrees Farenheit and plenty of humidity.

Last year we took the challenge to not use air conditioning.  We moved to a one level home in Ohio for the summer that did not have central air.  I was a bit concerned, but thought to myself that we could do this.  There were plenty of nice shade trees that surrounded the home and numerous windows to open. 

This was my greatest test regarding my belief in energy conservation, personal comfort, and temperment.  I knew that there would be some warm days ahead and was concerned about keeping the house as cool as possible.  I also knew that when my family was in too much heat they tended to become a bit grumpy.  Needless to say, we survived the summer with the help of ceiling fans an planned trips to indoor bowling alleys and movie theaters on really hot and humid days.

I knew from many studies regarding air quality that many times the air quality outside the home is much better than that of the inside of your home.  Since my youngest has respiratory issues, I thought that actually having windows opened would help him breathe better. To my amazement he actaully had less breathing problems last summer.

I also wanted to track the utility bill and see how much we were saving as compared to my neighbors electric bill.  I was shocked to see that I was saving an average of over $125 a month on my electric bill.

Now, I am a firm believer in opening windows.  If you keep track of the times in which the air is cooler outside than inside, you can effectively allow fresh air inside and allow your home to "breathe". 

For many of you who live in the very warmer states, I completely understand having and using air conditioning.  It is completely necessary from a health standpoint, however there are days that you might want to think about opening up a window.  Sometimes we are in such a habit that we forget there is a whole other world outside.  We go from our homes, through our garage, to our cars and then to another indoor place that we never take the time to just be outside.

What can you do to keep your home cool this summer that might use less non-renewable energy resources? 

Here are some helpful hints of a good place to start:
1.  Install ceiling fans
2.  Open windows during cool times of the day
3.  Utilize blinds and shades to keep the direct sun out
4.  Insulate your home
5.  Keep your windows and screen clean
6.  Replace or repair old windows, so that they are more energy efficient
7.  Kids love to make fans.  Have the kids create fun fans and keep them around the house for use.


If you have great suggestions, please send them to me.
TheUSAGreenLady@gmail.com
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