How can I conserve energy while still staying cool?

Question

I live in Wilmington NC where the humidity is practically UNBEARABLE. Even if it is only 80 degrees out, the humidity causes you to be soaked with sweat. Throughout the spring I've kept my AC off with the windows open, and it has been pleasant. However, it's getting pretty hot now and most of the time with the windows open, the only way to stay comfortable is if you have a fan blowing directly on you.

The same situation in the car. I want to keep my windows down to save gas, but it is so HOT! Plus traffic here is awful and I am idling at red lights 3/4 of the time which means NO breeze!

What can I do to save money and energy this summer without dying from the heat and humidity?

Answer 1

Honey if you got air conditioning use it!!   don't be stuck on stupid girl!

Answer 2

Use window fans leave the AC of until you really need it.

Answer 3

DRINK HOT LIQUIDS, BUT NO SUGAR= SUGAR MAKES YOU SWEAT. WHEN YOU GET HOT, PUT LOTS OF TALCOM POWER ON. IT DESTROYES THE SWEAT AND MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER. MAYBE HOT TEA, BUT GET FLAVORS LIKE EARL GREY, PEPPERMENT, CHAI AND BLACK TEA. PUT 2 BAGS IN A COFFEE  MACHINE, I LIKE EARL GREY AND PEPPERMINT, THEN PUT IN YOUR WATER LIKE A 10 OR 12 CUPS OF WATER AND TURN ON, NOT STRONG ENOUGH, JUST LET IT SIMMER IT'LL GET STRONGER, USE SAME TEA BAGS FOR NEXT POT BUT JUST ADD A PEPPERMINT. SAFEWAY HAS THEM.

Answer 4

In areas of high humidity, refrigerated air is about the best solution.  If you have ceiling fans or portable electric fans on and they work, this is a great option for days it doesn't get too hot.  Once it really heats up, though, the heat/health factor means more than the energy conservation.  Change lights to CFLs, incandescent bulbs radiate heat and use more electricity. You can also keep your blinds closed on the south and west sides of your house, plant shade trees in these same locations, be a little more flexible on setting your theromostat higher-- say to 72 or 73 as opposed to 68 or so-- and wear fewer clothes while in your house!  If you take showers to cool down, a slightly warmer shower will dialate your blood vessels and actually keep you cooler than a cool shower.  I like to wear a wet neckerchief around my neck when it gets real hot.  ( I live in far west Texas)  As far as your car goes, it helps the fuel efficiency to keep the windows up, not down. ( drag on the automobile).  Save fuel by keeping your tires inflated, try to avoid idling, drive a steady speed, try to not stop and go, and if you are going to idle longer than a minute, turn off your engine.  Don't use drive-through lanes, and walk when possible.  Combine trips, car pool, trade rides, and think twice before you hop in the car.  Is the trip REALLY important?  Is there anything else you can do while you're out to make better use of the energy spent?  Hope these suggestions help!  Good luck going green!