Chill out in Philadelphia: How to conquer the summer heat (and your energy bill)
As people crank up the air conditioning in their homes to cope with hot, sticky days, energy bills can creep up alongside the mercury. Here are some ideas for beating the heat in Philadelphia.
Soaring temperatures and stifling humidity means summer in Philadelphia can get steamy. As people crank up the AC in their homes to cope with hot, sticky days, energy bills can creep up alongside the mercury.
From special exhibits to tips on keeping your home cool for cheap, here are ten ways to beat the heat.
1. Use a smart, programmable thermostat to keep temperatures comfortable and bills down. By adjusting your home's temperature from your smartphone, you can make sure you never leave the AC blasting all day when you're not home.
2. Grab a water ice. Philadelphia's unique take on italian ice, water ice is as much part of Philly's DNA as the cheesesteak. Lower your body temperature with one of these sweet, delicious treats loved by kids and adults alike.
3. Shop around for a new energy plan. Last year, electricity plans from competitive suppliers were up to 37% less expensive than plans from utilities. Translation: You can crank up the AC while still paying less. Check out energy plans in the Philadelphia area.
4. Install a whole-house fan. Combined with ceiling fans, these hard working appliances can cool an entire home using one tenth as much energy as an air conditioner.
5. Catch a film in the park. Unless you're pumping the AC all afternoon, houses tend to get particularly toasty late in the day. Check out the Awesome Fest at Liberty Lands Park, which is screening independent films every Friday this summer.
6. Fire up the BBQ. As if you needed another excuse to grill this summer, cooking outside doesn't heat your home like the oven will.
7. Ice your fan. If you're working at a desk all day and don't have AC, place a bowl of ice in front a small desk fan and bask in the glorious chilled air.
8. Discover the Mongol Empire at the Franklin Institute's Genghis Khan exhibit. The sensational life and treasures of the 13th century Mongolian emperor will be on display through the summer. Bonus: it's air conditioned.
9. Go for a dip in Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Park. Kids love swimming with the frogs, turtles and swans spouting water into a 50-foot geyser.
10. Don't let the sun in. Use blinds, drapes or even solar screens to block direct sunlight, and close windows before the day starts heating up if it's going to be a scorcher.
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