5 Energy Tips for Handling Back-to-Back Weather Changes

We’ve lost count of how many times this winter has swung from cold to hot (and back again).

But in between the severe weather, we want to encourage a few energy-conscious coping tools to make the most of this season, starting with…

Get Outdoors!
Many of us have fewer seasonal allergies in winter than at other times of the year. But even if your sinuses are NOT a fan of the weather pendulum, research has shown two of the most effective ways to stay healthy are exercise and Vitamin D from exposure to sunlight. And even sitting on a porch in the sunlight can dramatically lift your mood.

If you are going to get out there – and possibly experience the full year of weather in a week – better prepare your wardrobe and make sure to...

Layer up (and down).
Move to Alabama, and you learn quickly we never put shorts away for the winter. Wearing sweater-weather one day and T-shirts the next is a way of life. Picking the right clothes can be the difference between a pleasant day and feeling miserable.

And don't be afraid to keep that sweater on indoors. It's almost too easy to click on the heat when you get home and default back to t-shirts inside. But consider riding the wave and...

Go easy on the thermostat.
Getting home during a warm spell can be weird – the house is cold, but still warmer than you’re used to. Our suggestion is take a minute, start the next thing you’re doing and let your body adjust to the indoor setting before cranking the heat or cold on.

Besides that, you can also save a buck if you’re thoughtful enough to...

Use the forecast.
In the peak of a warm spell, you might skip the AC if the following day will be cold. Or if you notice the nights are still cold, opening windows for a cross breeze can cool off the house faster than your air conditioner. However, be cautious if you leave them cracked all night, and make sure you...

Watch the humidity.
Sometimes opening windows during our wet warm fronts can let indoor humidity rise dramatically. Scientists don’t call our region the humid subtropics for nothing! High humidity levels in your home increase the risk of mold or mildew, which can have a negative effect on your health.

If you’re a champion of opening the windows, it can be worth investing in a hygrometer (less than $10) to keep tabs on the relative humidity in your home. Ideally it stays under 50% in the winter, but above 70% can become quickly problematic. 

If you don’t have a separate dehumidifier, sometimes the right play is to shut the windows and run the AC for a bit to suck that water out of the air.

With spring around the corner, most of these habits apply equally to the next several months. So keep a weather eye on the horizon and a steady hand on the thermostat – and take care of yourself this winter!

You can always find more energy saving tips (for any weather) right here on our website.