Spending a lot of money to keep your house cool this summer? There are many options that can take the place of expensive, traditional air conditioning unit. Here are a few alternate systems that will save money and keep your house cool.
Attic Fan
One inexpensive air conditioning alternative is an attic fan. Experts at Green Penguin Insulation say it will cool your home by 7-12 degrees and save up to 30% on your utility bill. They can also prevent top shingles from lifting and cracking due to an over-heated attic.
Attic fans work by exhausting hot air from the fan and pulling in cool air from vents in the eaves and the roof. Your thermostat can turn the attic fan on or off when the attic reaches certain temperatures.
Portable Air Conditioner
Even with an HVAC system, you can save money with a portable one, too. Portable air conditioners permit you to cool just one room instead of your whole house and all the unused rooms. It also allows you to keep your rooms at the ideal temperature — not too cool, not too hot.
How does it work? It has a special adapter kit that vents warm air out a window, through a fireplace, or through a hole in a wall. It is easy to install and can be moved from room to room quite simply. Some people claim that this is the best sort of replacement air conditioning unit.
Window Air Conditioner
Cheaper and more energy efficient than the portable air conditioner, these are installed directly into your window or through the wall, depending on which type you buy. One of its advantages is that it takes no floor space. Like a portable air conditioner, it cools one area of your home and saves you money on your energy bills.
However, window air conditioners, being limited to the size of your window, may be difficult to install. They may be too big or too small for the window, and even if they fit the window, they may still be too small to effectively cool your room. Then, they block the view and the light from the window, too. Not to mention that some homeowner associations ban them as an eye-sore.
Just remember: Not all air conditioning systems are created equal. Consider your needs and choose the best option that works for you and your budget.
This guest post is written by Meghan Belnap, a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
