Summer is a great time for outdoor activities, barbecues, and relaxing by the pool. Although the heat may initially be welcome after winter’s cold temps, it can become unbearable at times. A cool home is a necessity when you want to escape the heat and just chill indoors.
Fortunately, there are easy and economical ways to modify your home’s interior and expel the extra heat. Here are five simple tips to keep your house cool during scorching summer days. So grab a cool drink, find a relaxing spot, and let’s dive in!
1. Amp Up Your AC Capabilities
When the mercury rises to unbearable levels, air conditioning is the obvious go-to solution. Back in the day, air conditioners were big, bulky machines. Technology has improved a lot since then, especially with respect to the central air conditioner. With a single thermostat, you can adjust the temperature of the entire floor or house. This helps maintain a cool and quiet environment within your home, perfect for a lazy summer afternoon.
As with any other mechanical equipment, air conditioners need to be serviced regularly. The cooling system will work well only if its filters and coils are kept clean. Also, consider using a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically based on your daily routine. This way, you won’t waste energy cooling an empty house. If the volume level and programmable thermostat sound nice, but you’re looking to improve the efficiency of your system, consider switching to a mini split air conditioner.
2. Optimize Your Windows
Even when you’re away, make sure your windows are keeping guard and not allowing extra heat to enter. Windows play a crucial role in maintaining the temperature inside your home. By optimizing them, you can significantly reduce the heat that seeps in. Investing in triple-glazed windows may be more costly at first, but they will retard heat gain and save you money in the long run. In addition, check for air leaks around windows and doors, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk.
If window replacement isn’t in the cards, you can install thermal blinds or curtains with reflective materials to bounce back the sun’s rays. Alternatively, consider using light-colored curtains or shades that allow natural light to filter through while reducing heat buildup. For added effectiveness, try window films or window tints. These transparent coatings help block UV rays and reduce heat transfer without blocking the view outside.
3. Enhance Natural Ventilation
Nature has the power of ventilating your house and keeping it cool. Open windows and doors to let in the cool breeze during evenings when outside temperatures drop. Create cross-ventilation by strategically placing fans near open windows. This encourages airflow and circulates cool air throughout your home. Not only does it keep the room cool, but it also disperses bad odors or pathogens lurking in the air.
Consider using ceiling fans or portable fans in rooms where you spend the most time. Fans create a windchill effect, making you feel cooler without reducing the room temperature. If possible, set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise during the summer months. This creates a downdraft, which will yield a refreshing breeze.
4. Be a Mindful Appliance User
Appliances and electronics generate heat, which can contribute to the overall warmth in your home. Avoid using heat-generating appliances, such as ovens and dryers, especially during the afternoon. Instead, opt for outdoor grilling or air-drying clothes. Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-saving LED lights, as they emit less heat. Unplug electronic devices when not in use or charging, as they continue to generate heat even in standby mode.
If the weather is hot and humid, consider buying an energy-efficient dehumidifier. This will make the air feel less sticky while reducing the load on your air conditioner. Lowering your HVAC system’s workload slows down wear and tear and helps your unit last longer.
5. Install Insulation and Create Shade
When you go on a picnic, you trust your cooler to keep your perishable foods cool and safe to eat. It does that through insulation — along with a bag of ice. In your home, good insulation prevents warm air from seeping in and cool air from escaping, ensuring a comfortable indoor temperature. Roofs get direct heat, so attic insulation can play a major role in decreasing your home’s overall heat gain.
In addition to installing insulation, take steps to shade your home from direct sunlight. Planting trees or installing awnings and shades can significantly lower the amount of heat that enters your house. Outdoor blinds or solar screens are also helpful. Architects in hot climates can design homes with recessed windows and deep balconies to prevent direct sunlight from hitting the rooms. By keeping the home shaded outdoors, they create a cooler environment indoors.
Shift With the Seasons
In permanently warm climates, houses are designed to keep the temperature low. Homes that experience all four seasons, on the other hand, need season-specific solutions that can be reversed easily. Decluttering and decorating with light colors will make rooms feel open and airy. Green plants bring freshness to the room and add moisture to dry, conditioned air.
Feeling hot and sweaty all day could make anyone feel annoyed and frustrated. Luckily, with these tips, that doesn’t have to be your fate. Enjoy the outdoors, but when it gets uncomfortably hot, you can look forward to returning to a cool home.