5 Ways to Cool Costs

With the recent heat waves and constant above 90 degrees temperature and high humidity, many homeowners in Livingston are feeling the heat. The kids are home and school is off, more time is being spent indoor at home. With that comes the higher cooling bill.

Even the Township of Livingston Department of Health and Senior Services issued a list of suggestions to prevent extreme heat problems.

Here are five easy methods to reduce the cost of cooling your home and have happier children and parents in Livingston (I am sure it applies to everyone in most parts of the United States):

1. Lessen the usage of stoves and oven: Summer is a great time to bring the grill out and enjoy the great outdoors. Enjoy summer fresh fruits and vegetables. Consider eating more fresh and raw fruits and vegetables. Stoves and ovens do heat up the house and increase the moisture in your home too.

By changing your cooking method you could potentially reduce the cost of cooling your home. Or consider going to the many beautiful parks in Livingston for a picnic with your cold cuts and fresh raw food.

2. Basement is a great place to hang out: When most parts of your home are experiencing the high temperatures, your basement might be 10 degrees lower.

With a good working dehumidifier system, entertainment system, reading materials and comfortable couch, you are set. No need to turn on the air condition when you can relax in your basement.

3. Install fans in all your rooms: Fans take less energy to run and by using a ceiling fan or any type of free standing fan, you can likely cut cost.

For example, if you run your air condition at 80 degrees, with a ceiling fan in the room, the room now may feel like 74 degrees (6 degrees less). Not bad for the Livingston area during summer months.

4. Pools: Not all families will consider installing an expensive swimming pool in the backyard. Installing an inground pool is not an option either if it is the price or the lack of space that homeowners in Livingston are facing. Take a look at an above ground pool from Ambassador Pools, a pool dealer in Livingston (just a picture example to show you some options).

So what better way to keep cool and enjoy the summer heat with an affordable above ground pool? There are so many types out there with different price ranges and sizes.

Livingston also has community pools. can be found at the high school, and The can be found at the Northland Park.

5. Change air filters, caulking and weather stripping: The summer months home care is the same as winter months. To save money or cooling bills, savvy homeowners go through a checklist of things to do around the house.

Caulk and weather strip all windows and doors. Change air filters at least once a month to keep the system running efficiently.

Installing of blinds and light filtering curtains will help reduce the temperature of your home. If you have windows or doors facing the sun especially in the evening, it is a wise investment to get proper window treatments like blinds or curtains.

These are five of my methods to help you lower your cooling bills. It doesn’t matter where you live … Livingston or elsewhere in the United States!