Minimize indoor heat by running the dryer and dishwasher at night on hot days and letting dishes air dry. Avoid heat-generating incandescent lighting, and use a microwave, toaster oven, or outdoor grill instead of the oven. It's best to avoid using major appliances between 2 and 8 p.m.
Stop 'Vampire' Electronics From Draining Your Wallet
The typical American home has 40 electronics powered up at any given moment — TVs, cell phone chargers, blenders, and more. What people don't realize is they're using electricity even when they're powered off. U.S. households spend as much as $100 per year powering these 'vampire' electronics. The simple fix: plug your devices into power strips and switch them off all at once at the end of the day.
Minimize Appliance Use During Peak Hours
Make a Healthy Smoothie to Stay Cool
Fruit smoothies are a great way to get your five-a-day and stay refreshed through summer, but watch out for versions made with frozen yogurt or ice cream, which can be extremely calorie-heavy. A healthy smoothie should be made with fruit, juice, low-fat yogurt, and ice — use whatever fruit you have on hand or kept in the freezer and blend.
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