Staying cool during the warm summer months
by Dan Kaneko | June 13, 2021
Now that it’s June and summer vacation has started, beach days, backyard barbeques and outdoor activities will be regular occurrences for many of us. But summer in Hawaii also means higher temperatures, sticky humidity and a consequential uptick in our energy bills as we turn on every fan and air conditioner in the house. As we head into summertime, I thought I’d share some simple ways to combat the summer heat.
Power Down
Summer is a great time for us to practice mindful energy saving habits. Turning off unnecessary lights and unplugging unused devices and appliances — all of which emit heat — can make a noticeable difference in keeping our homes and workspaces cool. This simple action will also eliminate “phantom” or “standby” energy — when electricity is drawn from outlets when devices and appliances are still plugged in. In areas with multiple appliances plugged in, like your home office or bedrooms, you may want to consider using a surge protector. It’ll reduce your cooling costs and protect your devices from power surges too.
Get Your Fans Ready
This one is a no-brainer. Here in Hawaii, we all have multiple fans in our home to take advantage of the natural cool breezes. Utilizing fans will also save you money on cooling versus energy-guzzling air conditioning units. Did you know that turning on a fan instead of the air conditioner for eight hours a day can save you over $72 per month?
Be smart with your A/C usage
Sometimes fans just don’t cut it. If you do find yourself cranking up the thermostat on your A/C, you’ll likely want to do it without running up your electricity bill. Choosing the right-size A/C for your room or home is critical to keeping you cool in an effective and efficient manner. If you’re thinking about buying a new A/C this summer, visit hawaiianelectric.com.
Catch some shade
Summertime is a great time to head outdoors and get active, but you’ll want to stay cool when doing so. Choose outdoor locations that get a lot of Hawaii’s natural trade winds or find a shady spot under a tree to hang out. It’s a green solution to keeping yourself cool!
Exercise in the Morning
If you’re like me, exercise is an essential part of your daily routine. As an avid runner, summertime means I need to plan my exercise routine more carefully to avoid the high temperatures and humidity. My personal preference is to head out for my run in the morning before the temperatures start to rise. In addition to being cooler during the early hours, a morning workout is a great way to start your day!
Find activities to do indoors
If being outdoors isn’t really your thing, you can stay cool by staying indoors. Walking around your favorite shopping mall or visiting your favorite local businesses is a great way to support our local businesses and enjoy some free A/C. If you’re not comfortable with going out to public indoor spaces, you can stay indoors at home and put your own fans and A/C to use. If you go the fan route, be sure to open windows and doors to get that nice cross breeze going. If you’re planning on cranking up the A/C, be sure to keep your windows and doors closed to help your A/C work more efficiently.
Drink lots of water!
The simplest solution to combatting the summer heat is drinking a lot of ice-cold water. Drinking water will keep your body temperature down while also meeting your hydration needs.
For more tips on staying cool, you can view our Cool Tips For Home and Work brochure at hawaiianelectric.com.
Dan Kaneko is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric Company.
