4 Easy Ways To Lower Your Cooling Bill This Summer

Today’s post is from Kyle at Rather Be Shopping. His site features online coupons and discounts. If you enjoy this post I hope you’ll consider subscribing to his RSS Feed. ~Nicki

I live in Redding, California where the summers are HOT! Typically Redding is the hottest spot in the state behind Death Valley. Come July and August we are often in triple digits for weeks at a time. We will top out at 113 to 115 degrees on certain days. These hot temperatures can turn into unbelievably high electric bills if we are not careful. Here are the top 4 things I have done to significantly lower our cooling bill. I hope they can help you this summer.

Plant A Tree

When we first moved into our home we had several windows that took the brunt of the afternoon sunlight. So my wife and I planted a tree in front of each window. It was literally instant shade on those windows. As the trees have grown over the past several years, it is incredible how much cooler those rooms stay in the summer time. The trees are beautiful and functional, a great combo.

Whole House Fan

If your home is not equipped with one, you can have one installed in your home for around $400. But believe me, you will recoup that money pretty quickly. It works by opening the windows at night after it has cooled off outside. You then turn the fan on and it pulls in the cool air. It is awesome! TIP: If you live where it stays humid all the time it obviously won’t work as well.

Be Sun Smart

I am always amazed how our neighbors keep their curtains open all day long and then complain how high their electric bill is. If the sun is shining right on a window and you don’t have any trees to block the sun, close the blinds! It is sort of like keeping your refrigerator door open all day long. Keep the warm sun out and the cool air in by closing blinds or curtains.

Let Technology Be Your Friend

Please feel free to add any frugal tips you use to lower your summer cooling bill. I look forward to your comments. Now on to some coupons that will help you save some money on blinds, thermostats, plants, and of course the best way to stay cool this summer, swim suits!

Ace Hardware.com
Get $15 off your $120+ purchase thru this link (Discount appears at checkout)
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 5/31/10
See All: Ace Hardware Coupons

Gardener’s Supply Co.com
Save 10% off your $50+ online purchase thru this Link
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 5/20/10
See All: Gardeners Supply Coupons

Kmart.com
Save 30% off all Pools & 20% off all Pool Accessories
Coupon Code: APOOLSAVE20
Expiration: 5/15/10
See All: Kmart Coupons

Kohl’s.com
Save 30% off your entire online purchase w/ Kohls Card
Coupon Code: SUMMER30
Expiration: 5/19/10
See All: Kohls Coupons

Oriental Trading Company.com
Free Shipping on your $49+ online purchase
Coupon Code: OTC7575
Expiration: 7/04/10
See All: Oriental Trading Coupons

Sears.com
Get $10 off your $100+ online Tool purchase
Coupon Code: AFDEAL
Expiration: 5/16/10
See All: Sears Coupons

photo credit: HairyLime

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Tagged as: Frugal Living, Rather Be Shopping, Resourcefulness