Don't overwork your AC — experts say 'pre-cooling' your home is the best way to keep your energy bills low
But according to expert Joseph Holman, CEO of Green Doors, there's a simple routine you can follow to significantly lower the temperature of your home, no AC needed.
Even if you do have access to central air or air conditioning, this routine will heavily reduce your dependency on it — lowering your energy consumption and giving your AC a well-deserved break.
It's called "pre-cooling", and it involves protecting your home from those harsh rays of sun when they're at their strongest.
"The aim is to block sunlight before it enters the room, because the closer the sun's rays reach the interior, the more it heats up.
Joseph Holman, CEO of sustainable door and window company Green Doors, said: 'The way you need to think about this is that you need to stop the sunlight directly entering your home as soon as possible."
"The aim is to block sunlight before it enters the room, because the closer the sun's rays reach the interior, the more it heats up."
This involves creating a routine where you keep windows open and curtains drawn when the air outside is cooler than it is inside, but as soon as temperatures ramp up outside, you close off your doors and windows to the effect of the sun.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
'So, keeping a window open at night makes sense, but then you want to draw the blinds before the sunlight comes shining through the windows. You also want to close the windows in the morning too."
It's a simple concept, which readers observed when we shared the "caveman method" as an effective cooling technique this summer, but there are some factors you should consider when adapting this routine to your home.
This fan is the perfect companion for hot weather. It's portable, rechargeable, can be used indoors or outdoor and comes with a detachable misting tank that'll cool you down even further. In our Shark FlexBreeze review, we said: "It cools you off like a cucumber in a lux grocery store". And with a $50 saving, it's an excellent deal for such a premium product.
U.K.-based readers can also pick up a great saving on the FlexBreeze when shopping direct at Shark. This £30 saving is pretty generous considering how fast fans are selling out nationwide, and it's a heatwave staple that will come in handy year after year.
"If you have a window facing east, then that's going to warm up first", says Holman. So consider the windows in your home which are most likely to receive the full force of the sun in the morning, and act to keep the sun from entering them.
And when it comes to choosing the right blinds to keep the sun at bay?
'The best type of blinds would be external sun louvre blinds, which is why they are so popular in hot areas like southern Italy and France. They are, however, expensive to install."
"If you have a window facing east, then that's going to warm up first"
'The second-best option is integral blinds, which are inside the glazing panes themselves and are operated via a pull-down cord or magnet. They let only one layer of glass heat up, so they stop a lot of light. These, however, are again very costly."
'The cheapest and most popular option is internal thermal blinds that are installed on the inside. Honeycomb blinds are the best in this category, and considerably reduce solar heat."
And when it comes to choosing the right blinds, there's more than one type to consider. You should also think carefully about the color you choose.
You may think that a dark-colored blind will be most effective at keeping the sun at bay, but according to Holman, 'no matter the blinds, you need them to be white or neutral colors on the side facing the sun, to reduce the most amount of heat."
'For an even cheaper option, installing Solar Reflective Film directly onto glass panes also substantially reduces the heat. You want a house that you enjoy living in all year round, and that can be a sustainable decision."
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Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
Don't overwork your AC — experts say 'pre-cooling' your home is the best way to keep your energy bills low
The summer sun has well and truly arrived, and if you're depending on your air conditioning to keep your home bearable, you could also be hit with a hefty energy bill in the weeks to come. But according to expert Joseph Holman, CEO of Green Doors, there's a simple routine you can follow to significantly lower the temperature of your home, no AC needed. Even if you do have access to central air or air conditioning, this routine will heavily reduce your dependency on it — lowering your energy consumption and giving your AC a well-deserved break. It's called "pre-cooling", and it involves protecting your home from those harsh rays of sun when they're at their strongest. "The aim is to block sunlight before it enters the room, because the closer the sun's rays reach the interior, the more it heats up. Joseph Holman, CEO of sustainable door and window company Green Doors, said: 'The way you need to think about this is that you need to stop the sunlight directly entering your home as soon as possible." "The aim is to block sunlight before it enters the room, because the closer the sun's rays reach the interior, the more it heats up." This involves creating a routine where you keep windows open and curtains drawn when the air outside is cooler than it is inside, but as soon as temperatures ramp up outside, you close off your doors and windows to the effect of the sun. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. 'So, keeping a window open at night makes sense, but then you want to draw the blinds before the sunlight comes shining through the windows. You also want to close the windows in the morning too." It's a simple concept, which readers observed when we shared the "caveman method" as an effective cooling technique this summer, but there are some factors you should consider when adapting this routine to your home. This fan is the perfect companion for hot weather. It's portable, rechargeable, can be used indoors or outdoor and comes with a detachable misting tank that'll cool you down even further. In our Shark FlexBreeze review, we said: "It cools you off like a cucumber in a lux grocery store". And with a $50 saving, it's an excellent deal for such a premium product. U.K.-based readers can also pick up a great saving on the FlexBreeze when shopping direct at Shark. This £30 saving is pretty generous considering how fast fans are selling out nationwide, and it's a heatwave staple that will come in handy year after year. "If you have a window facing east, then that's going to warm up first", says Holman. So consider the windows in your home which are most likely to receive the full force of the sun in the morning, and act to keep the sun from entering them. And when it comes to choosing the right blinds to keep the sun at bay? 'The best type of blinds would be external sun louvre blinds, which is why they are so popular in hot areas like southern Italy and France. They are, however, expensive to install." "If you have a window facing east, then that's going to warm up first" 'The second-best option is integral blinds, which are inside the glazing panes themselves and are operated via a pull-down cord or magnet. They let only one layer of glass heat up, so they stop a lot of light. These, however, are again very costly." 'The cheapest and most popular option is internal thermal blinds that are installed on the inside. Honeycomb blinds are the best in this category, and considerably reduce solar heat." And when it comes to choosing the right blinds, there's more than one type to consider. You should also think carefully about the color you choose. You may think that a dark-colored blind will be most effective at keeping the sun at bay, but according to Holman, 'no matter the blinds, you need them to be white or neutral colors on the side facing the sun, to reduce the most amount of heat." 'For an even cheaper option, installing Solar Reflective Film directly onto glass panes also substantially reduces the heat. You want a house that you enjoy living in all year round, and that can be a sustainable decision."
USA Today
2 days ago
- USA Today
What's the 'caveman method'? The strategy may keep your home cool.
As temperatures continue to ramp up across the country, some experts are advising a "caveman method" to stay cool and save on electricity bills. No, this "caveman method" is not the viral "no skincare" routine that popped up this spring. The method to keep homes cool, which stemmed from tech outlet "Tom's Guide," advises people to make their homes cave-like during the summer by keeping out sunlight that may warm up rooms. This keeps living spaces cooler and saves money, CEO of Green Doors Joseph Holman told the outlet, as air conditioning units don't have to work as hard to keep spaces chilled. Here's what to know about the "caveman method" and other ways to keep homes cool without breaking the bank this summer. Summer 2025 brings killer heat. Here are some surprising ways to stay safe What is the 'caveman method'? As the name implies, the "caveman method" is the idea that folks should keep their homes dark and cool − like a cave − during the summer to beat the heat and conserve energy. "A cave is cool in heatwaves because it is dark and doesn't have direct sunlight or a direct entrance for the heat. You want to probably mimic that," Holman told "Tom's Guide." While cave temperatures vary depending on their geographical location, depth, airflow and humidity, generally caves hover between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the online educational resource Wonderopolis. Ways to minimize the amount of sun and warmth that enters the space include: Do electric vehicles do well in heat? How high temps could affect your EV What should you set your thermostat to in the summer? The magic number is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star program recommends. This is what you should set your thermostat to when you first wake up, with up to seven degrees of leeway during the day. Energy companies in Missouri, Maryland and Florida also recommend this guidance. Keep the house warmer when you're sleeping, away When going to bed for the night, consider turning the thermostat up to four degrees, the EPA advises. Going away for a few days? The Department of Energy recommends turning the thermostat a bit higher than what you'd usually keep it at. On average, a difference of seven to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for about eight hours a day can save as much as 10% a year on cooling and heating bills. How to save money on air conditioning bills Here are some additional tips for keeping cool and saving money this summer: Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Buzz Feed
Summer Problem-Solvers: 47 Products You Need Now
A FlexBreeze Pro Mist Fan from Shark — this indoor/outdoor fan is sure to be beloved by folks who are tired of ~sweating it~ during the summer. It has an impressive 70 ft. reach while being ultra quiet. The attached water tank makes this misting fan portable *and* it can even be adjusted to be used as a table fan. Bless that breeze. Quick-dry running shorts that'll have you crying tears of joy when you realize how comfortable these are all day, despite your impressive sweating skills. They have built-in underwear, a phone pocket, and a high slit on each side which is 1) CUTE and 2) extra comfortable. Lanolips hydrating SPF 30 lip balm because if it really chaps your hide (my Grandma's favorite phrase, Hi Grandma!) that most SPF products leave a white cast and taste *terrible* on your lips, then you need to be using this healing combo of lanolin oil, SPF, and vitamin E to moisturize, nourish, and protect that extra thin skin. 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These stay on, they're lightweight, and they work. A sand removal bag so you can "dust off" you and your kids before everyone gets into the car after a day at the beach. The bag is filled with a talc-free, reef-friendly powder that will ensure the sand stays outside, where it belongs. A Revlon volcanic stone face roller that'll absorb excess oil on your face as you swipe it away *without* ruining your makeup. Now that this exists, there's no better product to have in your bag when the summer sun brings back your extra oily skin. Oil blotting sheets WISH they were this sexy. Keep your makeup looking great all day with this OG TikTok beauty sensation. A budget-friendly 3-in-1 sprinkler, splash pad, and wading pool sure to get your kids excited to spend time outside, even if it's just in the backyard. Oof, that's a relief. BTW, this is decorated with colors, letters, and numbers so learning isn't just an indoor activity! 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A hands-free, bladeless, portable neck fan that'll treat you to fans on either side of your neck, pointing up at your face with a gentle breeze that'll feel positively heaven-sent on sunny days. This has five different speeds to choose from, so you know you'll be comfortable no matter how long you're stuck saving a spot for your family before the town's annual parade. Or a truly investment worthy wearable *air conditioner* (you read that right!!) — if you're sweating just thinking about being outside this summer, add this arctic accessory to your wardrobe and drop the temp around you by up to 36*. I can't say you'll make friends sporting this individual AC, but you better believe everyone'll wish they were you. Cool. A clip-on umbrella with UPF 50 protection and *swivel* abilities, so you can turn any chair into a shady spot while out and about. Reviewers have also used this with wagons, strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters! 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A BruMate insulated can cooler with a double-walled stainless-steel layer that'll keep drinks up to 20 times colder than a koozy. Skip the disappointment that comes from a room temperature beverage when you're thirsting under the sun — keep that drink freezy all day long with this treasure instead! A pack of SPF-sensing stickers to remind your skin about the importance of sunscreen when you're having too much fun to remember to reapply on your own. A Cruiser City from Veer that'll make packing up and heading out the door on summer days SO much easier. There's room for an entire day's worth of necessities in this wagon — so no need to be carrying heavy coolers or giant beach bags while *also* strolling your kid through the sand! This is designed with swivel wheels furthest from the handle, meaning you can push it like a stroller while still getting all the benefits of a ride-on wagon! This is a truly game-changing way to explore the world with your kids. Plus, it has cup holders. 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Olay Super Serum Body Wash (the body wash version of Olay's cult favorite facial Super Serum) — this is so soothing it's basically gonna feel like giving your dry skin a niacinamide-forward bottle of red, with notes of shea butter and a whiff of collagen peptides that'll treat your ~full body~ to 24-hour hydration when summer has you feeling dehydrated from head to toe. Ahhh, drink that all in. A cooling blanket brilliantly knit with fibers that *absorb* body heat so you can stay covered without melting this summer. One side is a classic cotton and the other side has an ~Arc-Chill~ fabric that's literally cool to the touch. Ahem, cool. Burt's Bees sunburn soother made with aloe and coconut oil to soothe and hydrate your skin if, despite your best efforts, you end up with a brutal sunburn sometime this summer. Feel at ease knowing this is at-the-ready if you end up turning into a lobster and need a little help feeling soothed. A portable, bladeless stroller fan that has three speeds — this can attach to more than just a stroller, which is great if you find yourself needing to share the fan with your mini-me when your breezy beach vacation seems to be a little light on the breeze. A Coola scalp and hair sunscreen mist with SPF 30 so you don't get dandruff and dry skin peeling from a sunburned hair part. Not only will it help prevent sunburns, but it's also formulated to protect your hair from sun damage. Use this as the finishing touch on your daily haircare and you're gonna be g2g! Great. Or a lightweight UPF 50+ protective running hat to keep your face and head extra protected while also keeping the sun out of your eyes. Spiffy. Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo with a gorgeous gardenia scent and a formula that'll give you the satisfying clean your hair needs with a lil' keratin treatment thrown in. This'll help protect against the frizz and breakage spring humidity inevitably brings. Plus, the packaging'll make your bathroom counter look beautiful all on its own. A travel brush with a hidden compartment, sure to be looked upon with envy by your overpacked travel buddies as they desperately try to find some open space on the counter of your hotel bathroom. Trying to fit seven people in two rooms has not worked out as well as your friends thought it would. But hey, *you've* got a brush with enough room for toothpaste and tampons! You're doing great. A hidden fly trap you plug into an outlet when you have house flies, fruit flies, moths, or gnats crawling around. The little light lures bugs by up to 400 feet (!!!), and the sneaky design means this thing'll be blastin' bugs by the dozen without ruining your room's clean aesthetic. An oscillating tower fan with six speeds (we're talkin' up to 24 feet per second velocity), three modes, and a surprisingly quiet design despite its power. If you're intimidated by installing an A.C. in your fourth-floor gonna be a big fan of this gadget. A mason jar cold brew maker so you can have a bold cup of cold brew from the comfort of your kitchen counter. Reviewers also love using this when making iced tea, which is the *first* thing I will be drinking once it's finally warm enough for a cold drink. A 12-pack of electrolyte drinks from Biolyte — these have a whopping 6.5x more electrolytes than traditional sports drinks, and they're formulated to help with the cramps, fatigue, and other issues that spring up from general dehydration. If you find yourself losing your personality when uncomfortably parched during a day outdoors, these are here to spring you back to life with a sip! Or a bag of cotton candy Liquid I.V. Hydration packets, with three times the electrolytes of a typical sports drink, great for packing on long hikes, recovering after a run, and keeping close during long days strolling in the sun. Honestly, you may just wanna keep these in your bag 24/7. An anti-humidity spray that'll work like a waterproof barrier on your hair (a harrier, if you will) to block out moisture in the air that leads to frizziness. There's no need to be doing your hair every dang day (or even several times a day) because of humidity! And feel free to give your hair a good wash after a sweaty day... this stuff lasts up to 72 hours and through 2–3 shampoos! A pair of reusable silicone nipple covers designed for all the dresses that feel like they're ruined by a bra. These are also totally waterproof, so there will be no need to ~sweat it~ in these. And finally, a tabletop picnic basket made of bamboo, covered in canvas fabric, and filled with enough dishware for four hungry folks. When opened, the lid of the basket has a curved leg that'll extend to the ground, creating a solid top for your food. 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