Local readers share summertime saving ideas!

The kids are out of school, and my hair is frizzing to oblivion — yup, it’s official gang, it’s totally summertime.

In my last column, I focused on tried-andtrue strategies for saving money on summertime heat, and we received an amazing response from readers, including their goto moves for slashing their own summertime budgets — I love it!

Read on for outstanding readers’ ideas that are easy to implement, kind to the wallet, and stress busters to boot.

1. After years of putting it off, Becky T. of West Chester finally bit the bullet and bought a programmable thermostat last summer. Now she wishes she did it years ago. “The money I saved on it in one summer alone, it paid for itself within a few months, and now it’s saving us hundreds of dollars, and you can’t even tell any difference in temperature from before. Every time you come home, the house feels great, and you’re still saving money.” Way to go, Becky.

2. Arthur C. of Media worked in the HVAC industry for over 30 years before retiring a few years ago. According to him, plugging up the leaks in your home are critical. “Every house has leaks, even new construction. Most people are thinking that wintertime is the only time to look for leaks, but summertime is just as important. Your A/C System can easily get overworked with even small leaks around your house. Plug those gaps around your windows and doors with weatherstripping, caulk, spray foam, and check them every season to make sure things are still tight.” Thanks, Arthur!

3. Natalie W. of Exton switched out all of her lightbulbs — and the lightbulbs at her Mom’s house — with Energy-Efficient Lighting. She did it to save money on electric, then quickly realized that they produced a lot less heat than her regular bulbs too! “You can really tell a difference, it’s surprising. So these bulbs last longer, give off a lot less heat, and the smaller 30watt bulbs we use put off as much light as a regular 100watt bulb. It’s great!” Fabulous advice, Natalie.

4. Connor S. of Coatesville recommends we think more “old school.” He reminded me that back in the 1960’s when he was a kid, only about 10 percent of homes had air conditioning, and that includes homes in the South. True enough. With that in mind, his go-to move throughout his entire home is airing out the house with cool nighttime air with window fans, then using ceiling fans during the day — “they take the edge off the heat, you feel cooled off, and your air conditioning bills aren’t anywhere close to your friends’ bills. They might be feeling chillier come July, but I’m still totally comfortable, and come the end of summer, I’ve spent a lot less than them on cool air.” I love it.

Whatever you find to be your biggest energy hogs this summer, spend a bit of time talking to friends and neighbors — or researching online — to find options that will be the heat without beating your bank account at the same time. Frugal on!