summer survival

anthony gilardi, home improvement advice

Today HGTV's Anthony Gilardi provides 6 Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer.

Got a home repair or home improvement question? Then Ask Anthony RIGHT NOW in the comments below! Anthony is at our beck and call on CafeMom every other week.

Here are Anthony Gilardi's best ways to conserve energy, save money, and stay cool during the dog days of summer. HINT: Limit the use of those heat-producing, energy-sucking major appliances.

Here's what appliances I'm talking about:

  1. Oven/Stove. So how do you limit oven/stove usage without starving to death? Okay, well, first of all be conscious of how often you use your oven/stove. Hey, it's summertime, spark up the barbecue! I know what you're saying, I'm not feeding my family burgers and hot dogs every night. Well, I agree, but there are many alternatives to red meat and/or mystery meat...time to get creative on the outdoor grill. I happen have amazing recipes for grilling bass, halibut, salmon, chicken, veggies, and much more that I would love to share will you (hey, I'm not just a handyman; I make some mean BBQ too! You can contact me if interested). When you must use your oven/stove, make sure you turn on your exhaust fan and that the filters are clean.
  2. Air Conditioner. This is a tough one...Limiting the usage of our A/C may result to serious discomfort. I get it, believe me. So what other ways can we conserve energy and save money without sweating to death? Using a fan will circulate the cooler air faster, allowing the your thermostat to work more efficiently. Keeping doors and windows closed while the A/C is on will help tremendously as well. And if you're in the market, buying a more efficient/green A/C is a really good idea.
  3. Computer. Turn your computer off when you are not using it. It's a good habit that will save energy. Anthony Tip: Back up your files!  
  4. Dishwasher. Let the dishes air dry or dry them off with a hand towel. Save energy and maybe get some exercise. Or have your kids do it as one of their chores. Do kids still have chores these days?
  5. Clothes Dryer. If your laundry room in located in the house, you are producing a tremendous amount of heat whenever it's in use. If you can, hang clothes on a line outside. If this is not possible, use the lowest possible heat setting. In addition to saving energy, it is better for your clothes.
  6. TV. Yes, your television gets very warm when overused. Limit usage of TV by getting outdoors more often and reading more books. It's time to get creative with family activities other than video games and watching your favorite carpenter on HGTV. I will gladly take a back seat to family values. LOL.

Anthony Tip: Check That Insulation
It's important to make sure your basement, exterior walls, and your attic are insulated properly, as well as windows and doors. Weatherizing your windows and doors is not just a winter tip. Fill all gaps around exterior windows and doors. Keep the cool air inside! If it's time to replace your windows, consider more efficient/green ones. These will help save energy and money year-round.

Reward yourself and your child/children for going the extra mile and hitting the "OFF" button more often this summer. Maybe some ice cream...just a thought.

Stay cool, Moms.

—Anthony Gilardi

Have a question to Ask Anthony? Leave your question in the comments below.