We’re still stuck in serious heat wave here. Temperatures are topping out at around 100 degrees, so the air conditioning is going full blast, both at home and in the office. The problem is that I need some fresh air. I want to open the windows and let the breeze blow through. So how can I keep my house cool, while still enjoying the warm summer air? I got some advice from Ed Moore of Shade Solutions:

• Open front and back doors to create cross ventilation.
• Protect your home from the sun’s warmth by installing sunscreen shades or outdoor awnings on doors, windows, porches and patios.
• If you’re considering repainting your home’s exterior or replacing the roof, choose a light color to reflect more sunlight away from the building.
• Add shade trees or shrubs to block the sun’s rays. Deciduous trees will to protect against the sun during the summer, yet shed their leaves during the winter.
• Protect your home’s furnishings from fading by lowering the blinds or shades when the sun is at it’s peak.

Last week was hot here. The temperatures were well over 80 and it’s supposed to be even warmer this weekend. So I finally broke down and turned on the air conditioner. Every year there’s a fine line between needing to cool the house and watching my gas & electric bill rise in the summer months. Well, the first step in keeping those bills down is to get a programmable thermostat. According to the EPA, when programmed properly, these thermostats can save you about $180 a year on your energy bills. Unfortunately, the EPA also found that most consumers don’t know how to program their thermostat to maximize their savings. Here are a few guidelines from the EPA to help you make sure that you’re getting the most out of your thermostat.

• Raise the temperature setting by 7 degrees when you’re away and 4 degrees when you’re asleep in the summer.
• Save even more by using the “Vacation” and “Hold” features to manage temperatures while you’re away from home for an extended period.
• Lower the temperature setting by 8 degrees when you’re away or asleep in the winter
• Visit the EnergyStar website for more tips and tutorials on how you can get the most savings out of your programmable thermostats