As the waves of heat begin to build up in late spring and early summer, stores are reporting that consumers are looking for alternative options to investing in or even operating their HVAC systems continually throughout the summer. Whether this is due to a new understanding of environmental issues, or an attempt to reduce or at least limit energy costs remains to be seen.

For years companies such as Air National Heating & Air Conditioning have reported a surge in demand as consumers struggle to cope with the excessive heat of summer, but this year there is a definite change in focus. Sales of items such as heat pumps and programmable thermostats, although higher in inital price than traditional products, prove to provide a good long term savings over the life of the product and waste less energy.

There are numerous blog posts online detailing other innovative methods to help fight the heat. Some of these include ideas such as freezing the bed sheets, investing in linen bed sheets, and buying reflective insulated curtains which will prevent the heat from entering a home via the window.

The summer is also the perfect time of the year to complete certain DIY chores which will also help to keep the heat out and retain heat in the winter. During the winter period, window seals are under constant attack from the elements, and one damaged, a broken seal can have a drastic effect on the temperatures inside your home whatever the time of year. Of all the various summer home improvement tasks to undertake this year, checking and repairing your window seals should take top priority.

The environment is one of the critical political topics, that is generating ever more news on a daily basis. As a generation, everyone has a responsibility to ensure that we are doing whatever we can to protect the environment for our children and their children. However, contrary to popular belief, this need not be expensive, and if planned and executed correctly, it could even save you money.