The dog days of summer are here, and like most everything, they can cost you. Here are some ideas for getting through the hottest part of the year without blowing your budget:

• Use air conditioning intelligently.
• We won’t suggest you forego air conditioning when it’s 100 degrees outside, but you can save by making sure your air conditioner is more efficient:
• Change your air filter. A fresh air filter lets your AC work a little less hard.
• Clean the compressor. Your exterior compressor often gets clogged with dirt, vegetation, bugs, etc. clean out the leaves, weeds, and other gunk that are clogging up your AC’s airflow and make sure no vines or other obstructions remain.
• Use a dehumidifier. Cut the humidity level in your house to make it feel more comfortable in the summer, and help resist the temptation to crank the AC.
• Keep the blinds closed. Windows, especially on the eastern and western sides of your house, could be heating you up by letting in too much sun. Use drapes or blinds to keep out the sun and give your AC a break.
• Set up a clothesline.
• You can’t make the heat go away, but at least make it work for you. Set up a clothesline and air-dry your laundry when it’s hot. It may seem old-fashioned, but the sun does a great job and it will cut your utility bills.
• Take steps to make sure you don’t hit any utility lines when you dig to install your clothesline poles.
• Don’t put it under trees or power lines–you don’t want birds to be able to sit above your drying laundry.
• If your yard is small, an umbrella clothesline is a good solution, though your clothes won’t dry as fast as on a t-bar setup.
• Get outside.
• Sometimes, being out in the heat can give you opportunities to save:
• Use the grill; the oven inside is a double hit on your utilities. The heat the oven provides to cook your food also punishes your air conditioner when it gets out into the kitchen.
• Do some gardening. Consider installing a rain barrel to save on water bills, and try planting a few vegetables to offset your grocery bills. Also consider planting a tree that will grow to shade your home when the weather’s hot.
• Lounging by the pool or beach is cheaper than shopping or going to the movies, and the Vitamin D you’ll get is good for you.

Photo: eyesogreen

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