4 Tips for Saving Energy at Your Memorial Day Party

During one of the coldest Aprils for Michigan in history, while many of us were still sporting hats and gloves, it was impossible to imagine that we would be facing temperatures near 90 degrees the following month.  However, as Memorial Day 2018 approaches there is a long heat wave ahead of us that will give us just that.

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick off to summer, and many of us are having parties to celebrate. With hot temps on the horizon how can we make sure to have fun with friends and family, but not break the bank this holiday weekend?

1. Keep doors and windows closed

If you have air conditioning, it is in your best interest to keep doors and windows closed while it’s running.  You want to keep that conditioned cold air circulating amongst the rooms in your home and not heading out the front door.  Plus, air conditioners work to keep your home at a set temperature, when doors and windows are open, hot air comes in, which means that air conditioner has to work harder to keep the home at the desired temperature.  To help guests remember to close the door behind them

2. Break out the tongs and spatula–Grill!

What says summer more than hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill?  Plan your party menu around grilling.  It will keep the heat down inside the home, which means the a/c won’t have to work as hard.

3. Use a cooler or ice bucket for beverages

You may wonder why you should put the effort into moving beverages into a cooler or ice bucket when you have a refrigerator, the fact is that on a hot day, party guests will be reaching for an icy drink often.  Imagine how many times the fridge would be open and closed.  That is an energy and money waste!  Instead, make things easier for you and your guests by having drinks in an easy to grab from cooler.

4. Move the party outside in the shade

We’ve been cooped all winter–head outside to soak up some Vitamin D!  Host your party outside and use natural shade or an umbrella or awning to keep guests cool and comfortable.  This way, you do not need to worry about cranking up your air conditioning with all of the extra bodies.

For more information about keeping your family and home cool this summer, contact FLAME!