Stay cool this summer and save on energy costs without making your air conditioner work overtime.
- Reduce heat sources – Switching from incandescent to fluorescent lighting does more than help your bottom line by saving energy. It also reduces excess heat produced by inefficient incandescents, keeping your office cooler. Look for other electronics and appliances that can be switched off, or into energy saver mode, to reduce heat sources in other ways.
- Shade the sun – Close the office blinds during the day, especially on the south and east sides of the building, which tend to get more direct sunlight.
- Turn down the air conditioner – Stay cool and comfortable rather than cold by turning down the air conditioner if possible. Americans use much more energy for air-conditioning than we did 20 years ago, and more than the rest of the world’s nations combined.
- Stay hydrated – Drinking at least 64oz of fresh water each day is one of the best ways to keep your body cool. If your office doesn’t have a water cooler, consider getting one with some of the money you’ll save by reducing energy use on air conditioning.
- Dress for the weather – Whether your office culture is professional or business casual, you can turn to cooler, lighter fabrics in the summer months. Choose loosely-woven natural fabrics (cotton, silk, linen), rather than polyester, rayon, or other artificial fibers. Also, choose light colors that will absorb less of the sun’s heat.
Sources: Forbes.com “How To Dress For Summer Months”, WikiHow “Cool Yourself Without Air Conditioning”, Time ideas.