Tips to Survive the Dog Days of Summer
When temperatures soar and the sun beats down relentlessly, staying cool becomes a top priority. Whether you're trying to reduce energy costs or simply make your home more comfortable, these practical strategies can help you beat the heat during summer's most sweltering days.
Stay Cool Without Breaking the Bank
- Strategic Fan Usage: Fans are your first line of defense against the heat. At night, position fans to push hot air out of your home, clearing away the day's accumulated warmth. Ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel up to four degrees cooler than the actual temperature, allowing you to raise your thermostat and save money.
- Smart Window Management: During daylight hours, keep shades drawn and windows closed to block solar heat gain. Once evening arrives, open windows on opposite sides of your home to create cross-ventilation that naturally cools your living space.
Maximize Air Conditioning Efficiency
If you rely on air conditioning, small adjustments yield significant savings. Set your thermostat to 78°F or higher when using ceiling fans – each degree increase saves 3-5% on cooling costs. Regular maintenance matters too: check and replace air filters monthly to ensure optimal performance.
When shopping for new equipment, choose Energy Star models that can reduce cooling costs by up to 10%. However, proper sizing is crucial – consult an HVAC professional to determine the right capacity for your space. Installing a programmable thermostat automates temperature adjustments when you're away or sleeping.
Kitchen Heat Management
Your cooking habits significantly impact indoor temperatures. During peak heat, avoid using your oven or stovetop for large meals. Instead, embrace smaller appliances like toaster ovens, slow cookers, and microwaves that generate less ambient heat while using less energy.
When you must cook conventionally, work smarter: use the smallest appropriate pan, keep lids on to trap heat and reduce cooking time, and turn off electric burners slightly before food finishes cooking. Minimize oven preheating and resist the urge to peek – opening the door releases valuable heat.
Refrigerator Optimization
Your refrigerator works harder in summer heat, especially if it's an older model that can cost $140 annually to operate. Set optimal temperatures: 37-40°F for fresh food compartments and 0-5°F for freezers. Test with thermometers placed in a glass of water (refrigerator) and between frozen items (freezer) for 24 hours.
Keep your refrigerator efficient by defrosting manual-defrost models regularly, covering all foods to prevent moisture release, and closing doors quickly. If you have a second, older refrigerator, consider unplugging it during summer months – the savings can be substantial.
Getting Everyone Involved
Children can contribute meaningfully to energy conservation. Encourage them to turn off lights when leaving rooms, power down electronics after use, and take shorter showers. Teach them to decide what they want from the refrigerator before opening the door, minimizing the time it stays open.
Simple awareness goes a long way – kids often notice dripping faucets and other issues adults might miss. These small actions, when practiced consistently by the whole family, create meaningful reductions in both energy consumption and cooling costs.
Surviving summer's most challenging weather doesn't require expensive solutions. With strategic planning, efficient appliance use, and family cooperation, you can maintain comfort while keeping energy bills manageable throughout the hottest months.
Source: Cornell Cooperative Extension
revised by Joy Miller, Family and Consumer Wellness Agent, 2025