As the mercury starts to climb outside, the sweltering temperatures inside your abode may make you start climbing the walls. To stay as cool as a cucumber this summer, follow these tips.
- Be bright about your bulbs. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. CFLs generate less heat than conventional light bulbs and are better for the environment. Not only will your temperature go down, you'll feel cooler for being green.
- Disconnect devices. Turn off computers, televisions and radios - all of which produce heat and contribute to your interior temperature. Unplugging your home's electronics will provide peace and quiet, so you can kick up your feet and chill out with the latest issue of Angie's List Magazine.
- Attend to the A/C. If you have central air conditioning and a basement, consider adding a cold-air return. When the system is in "fan" mode, it will recycle the naturally cool air throughout your home - which is sure to get rave reviews from the family.
- Block sunbeams with botanicals. Plant trees on the south and west sides of your home, which usually get the most sun. Just be sure to watch out for shady trees that look like they're up to no good.
YOUR HOME IN BLOOM