Heat Waves: Stay Cool and Save Green

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – We’ve seen days of heat index warnings this month, and it’s not even August yet. In tonight’s edition of Sustainability First, here are some tips on how you can stay cool while saving the green in your wallet and the planet.

Summer is in full swing, and with global average heat temperatures getting warmer. We’ve seen multiple heat index warnings coming from The Bahamas Department of Meteorology this month.

The Met Department even releasing a graphic breaking down the meanings behind the classifications of their heat warning system.

With Tuesday’s heat advisory listing the heat index in some of the extreme northern islands as severe risk danger, meaning it could feel like up to 121 degrees Fahrenheit, urging people to stay indoors in air conditioned spaces.

But what can we do to beat the heat while also conserving energy and keeping power bills low?

• 1. Close blinds and curtains to block sunlight from excessively warming the home.
• 2. Seal cracks and openings around doors and windows to prevent hot air from seeping into your home, and your cool air from getting out.
• 3. Consider taking cold showers
• 4. Be mindful of your thermostat setting, each degree cooler can increase energy use by up to eight percent.
• 5. Ceiling fans cool your body with their wind chill effect, but do not cool the room itself. Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room.