hot world summer is here
Wherever you are right now in the U.S., there’s a good chance it’s hot. Or was hot. Or will be hot. Unreasonably hot summers are the new normal. So, how to stay cool?
Well, you could crank the AC, but according to people in lab coats, that will just make things worse.
The average air conditioner consumes about 3000 to 5000 watts of electricity every hour. Now imagine that times everyone in your neighborhood, town, city, and state. That's a-spicy grid failure.
On top of that, your air conditioner emits hydrofluorocarbons. HFCs are particularly destructive greenhouse gases, trapping thousands of times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon or methane. More heat = more AC usage = more heat = well, you can see where this is going.
Fortunately, there are two things you can do:
1. Adjust your thermostat. According to Energy.gov, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting. You'll also cut down on the HFCs released into the atmosphere.
and
2. The following 7 things.
no, fan hat isn't on the list
It’d be cooler if you did these things
Here are some eco-friendly tips to stay cool, care of your favorite* bedding company.
*at least top ten...right? right?
Draw your curtains
During the hottest part of the day (noon to 4 pm) use heavy, opaque curtains with white backing to block and reflect the sun. According to the Department of Energy, this can reduce the heat coming into your home by 33%.
Reverse your ceiling fans
When hot air rises, cooler air gets pushed down. Run your ceiling fans counterclockwise to pull that cool air up through the room. To reverse your fan, look for a switch by the motor and flip it.
Install a whole house fan
This one takes a little more planning and money, but if you live in a cool, dry climate (like our very own Colorado), look into a whole house fan. They’re extremely energy efficient - they use about 10% of the energy it takes to power an AC unit and they don't emit harmful gases.
Get a dehumidifier
On the other hand, if you live in an area with high humidity, try using a dehumidifier. High humidity causes sweat to evaporate much slower which causes your body’s natural cooling system to shut down. A dehumidifier can counteract that and effectively de-sweat you.
Don’t turn on the oven
Leave the oven off to prevent extra ambient heat from making your home hotter. Instead, use an air fryer, a toaster oven or, better yet, grill outside. We’ll bring the Impossible burgers.
Swap out your bulbs
Are you still using incandescent bulbs? Swap them out for LEDs. Not only do they emit far less heat, they also last longer. LEDs are six times more efficient than incandescent bulbs and can last 20+ years before they need to be replaced.
Choose breathable fabrics
Put away the polyester. Instead, dress and sleep in natural fabrics. Our Eucalyptus Sheets are cool-to-the-touch, moisture-wicking, and ideal for hot summer nights. Best of all, you won’t have to run the AC as much (or at all) during the night.
These sheets are so cool there are lines to get in them.
Not using your AC at all, especially when the temps hit triple digits and bushes randomly burst into flames, isn't realistic. But if you try some of these tips, you can save energy and prevent some of the most destructive greenhouse gases from making the planet even hotter.