Summer Cool Down Tips

1. If you have a ceiling fan, set it to turn counterclockwise to keep air circulating downward to maintain a breeze indoors.
   
2. During the day, close your windows and close the blinds, shades or curtains to keep heat outside. Light-colored window coverings help reflect heat away.
   
3. When temperatures drop at night or early in the morning, open your windows and doors and use exchange fans to draw cooler air in.
   
4. If you have central air conditioning installed in your home, add weather stripping around drafty doors and windows to make sure cool air isn’t escaping.
   
5. If you have room air conditioning unit(s) installed in windows of your home, ensure all gaps around the units are sealed tight to prevent cool air from escaping.
   
6. Appliances create heat when they’re on. Wait until you have a full load to run your clothes washer and dishwasher, and run them in the evening when it’s cooler.
   
7. Plant shade trees on the sunniest sides of your home, especially if you live in a relatively open, flat area.
   

These tips are provided from the Energy Trust Of Oregon.