Technology has created new ways for people to live more comfortable lives. You can use your electric stove to make whatever food you’re craving or watch TV to catch up on what’s happening in the world. It’s also paved the way for air conditioning, which makes life easier for people everywhere.

A broken HVAC unit is a dealbreaker for most families. Others understand the effect electricity and air conditioning have on the planet. You use it every day, but you may feel bad about what it’s doing to the environment.

Check out these AC alternatives that might be right for your home. Depending on your lifestyle and preferences, you can always find new ways to reduce your usage and live a greener life.

Open Your Windows

During the hottest part of the day, there’s most likely a breeze passing by your house. If you open the windows in your home, you welcome the breeze to cool everyone down inside. It’s an easy way to get the air flowing without turning on ceiling fans and using more electricity.

Be aware that hot air will rise to your second floor. That may make the rooms more stuffy, but if you hang out downstairs until the sun sets, you won’t even notice.

Cool Yourself Down

The only purpose of having air conditioning is to cool down, but you can do that by spending a few minutes in the kitchen. Think about what desserts you like and make a few frozen treats to cool yourself down with. Coconut-lime popsicles and pina colada ice cream are a few new ideas to try when you’re feeling adventurous.

Draw the Curtains

Before the sun rises, make sure your curtains are all closed. Drawing the curtains saves 25% of temperature loss as hot morning air tries to replace the cooler temperatures in your home. Blackout curtains keep warm air out of your house, which reduces how much your HVAC unit has to turn on. They’re available at most stores and more affordable than other kinds of curtains, so it’s a budget-friendly way to approach green living.

Raise Your Home’s Temperature

The temperature you prefer on your thermostat may not be what’s in your best interest. Most people like their thermostat set somewhere below 74 degrees during the summer, but that requires the fans to kick on frequently to battle the outdoor heat. You may want to raise the temperature settings to something warmer.

Turn on a fan and drink plenty of water, and you’ll feel much better about using less electricity while you find ways to chill. This is a common solution for many households, so spend time playing around with temperatures to see what you’re comfortable with. You may be able to tolerate a higher temp than you thought.

Install New Awnings

Awnings come in many shapes, sizes and materials. They’ll expand from your back or front door and provide a shaded area to relax in. Even if you don’t feel like going outside, the shade will keep the air around your home from getting too hot, so your house cools down. You can do the same thing with bushy trees, although those will take a while to take root.

Consider Your Home

The right way to reduce or quit using your air conditioning will depend on your home. Think about where you live and what might help the most. You could hang blackout curtains, raise the temperature on your thermostat or install a simple awning. Try out different things until you find what’s right for you.

About the Author

Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Guides for Brides, Hotel Online and more!  Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!

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