Dr. Cedric Van Meerbeeck, a climatologist at the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), warns that 2024 is set to be another record-breaking year for heat in the Caribbean.
As summer approaches, many Jamaicans are bracing themselves for a season of extreme heat. Dr. Cedric Van Meerbeeck, a climatologist at the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), warns that 2024 is set to be another record-breaking year for heat in the Caribbean. With near-record warm Atlantic Ocean temperatures and frequent Saharan dust plumes, the region is gearing up for intense heat waves and sweltering weather. For many of us, last summer was unbearable, and Summer 2024 is not expected to be any different.
But don’t sweat it – literally! Let’s be real, the recent heat wave had me sweating! You can stay cool and save money with a basic home energy audit. Here is a fun, impactful, and engaging guide to help you beat the heat without breaking the bank, and best of all, you can involve the entire family.
What Is an Energy Audit?
The purpose of an energy audit (sometimes called an ‘energy assessment or ‘energy study) is to determine where, when, why and how energy is used in a facility, and to identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
I have put together eight (8) steps for you to maximize your cooling at home and save, so you can have some extra cash.
Step 1: Seal the Deal
First, check for air leaks around your home. Gaps and cracks in windows, doors, and walls allow cool air to escape and hot air to sneak in. Here’s how to find and fix them:
- Detect Leaks – Light an incense stick and move it around windows and doors. If the smoke wavers, you’ve found a leak.
- Seal Gaps – Use weatherstripping for doors and caulking for windows and cracks in walls.
Step 2: Fan-tastic Solutions
Fans are your best friends during the summer. They use less energy than air conditioners and can significantly cool your space. Sometimes, I put my AC on a timer and allow the fan to circulate.
- Ceiling Fans: Ensure your ceiling fan is rotating counterclockwise to push cool air down.
- Portable Fans: Position fans near windows or hallways to create cross-ventilation.
Step 3: Shade and Shutter
Keep the sun from turning your home into an oven by using shades, blinds, and curtains.
- Blinds and Curtains: Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day to block out the sun.
- Reflective Film: Apply reflective film to windows to reduce heat gain.
Step 4: Appliance Savvy
Household appliances generate heat, so use them wisely.
- Energy-Efficient Appliances – Invest in energy-efficient appliances like Energy Star-rated fridges and air conditioners. They use less power and generate less heat.
- Smart Usage Timing – Run heat-generating appliances like dishwashers and ovens during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Recently I bought a fridge timer and programmed it so I can capitalize on some savings!
- Unplug Unused Appliances– Devices on standby mode still generate heat. Unplug them when not in us.
Step 5: Lighting the Way
Traditional incandescent bulbs generate a lot of heat. Switch to energy-efficient lighting options and change out your bulbs. Think about getting motion sensor bulbs as well. I currently have one in my kitchen.
- LED Bulbs – LEDs use less energy and produce less heat than incandescent bulbs and work out a lot cheaper in the long run.
Step 6: Greenery Galore
Plants can help cool your home by providing shade and releasing moisture into the air.
- Indoor Plants – Place plants strategically around your home to cool the air naturally.
- Outdoor Shade – Plant trees or shrubs around windows to block direct sunlight for future cooling.
Step 7: HVAC Check-Up
Your air conditioning system should be in tip-top shape to handle the summer heat efficiently. That is next on my to do list! I think I need to get to it quicky as these temperatures do not seem to be going down.
- Filter Check – Clean or replace AC filters monthly to ensure optimal performance.
- Professional Maintenance – Have a professional check your system before more heat waves hit.
Step 8: Embrace the Breeze
On cooler evenings, turn off the AC and open windows to let in the breeze. Well, there are rare occasions these days that nights are really cool! So if you are not afraid of bugs like me, or have mesh screens on your windows, open them up at night and let in that cool breeze.
- Night Cooling: Use window fans to draw in cool air and expel warm air from your home.
Now whats next?
By following these steps, you can create a cooler, more energy-efficient home that won’t leave you sweating over your electricity bill.
You can also get a a free energy audit as a Micro, Small and Medium sized enterprise. The DBJ’s Energy Audit Grant Programme provides a grant of J$200,000 to Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) to conduct an energy audit of their facility. The main objective of the programme is to assist MSMEs in making informed decisions regarding Energy Efficiency Measures (EEM) or Energy Opportunity Measures (EOM) and their associated energy-saving potential. As one of the official energy auditors of the Development Bank of Jamaica, I can guide you through the grant application process and conduct this audit for you.
Contact 876-872-8812 or hello@stemsparksolutions.com
At STEM Spark Solutions we also offer a referral programme of 2.5% cash back for each client that you refer to us that actually conducts an audit! Reach out to us today. Book a call back with me to learn more.
