As reported by ClimateCentral.org, summer 2022 proved to be the third hottest summer on record for the U.S. With several cases of heat waves and wildfires, it’s evident that last year’s summer was one of the most extreme ones to date. What’s sad is that summers in the States, as well as many other parts of the world, are unlikely to get better.
According to Bloomberg, by 2050, most of the United States will turn into an extreme heat belt. This is by no means a good thing. The only thing you can do for now to protect yourself from this heat is to take necessary precautions at home to keep the heat out and stay cool.
As the summer heat approaches, it can be a challenge to keep your house cool and comfortable. However, there are several things you can do to make your home more comfortable and reduce your cooling costs during the hot summer days.
Here are five simple tips to help you beat the heat.
#1 Block the Sun
Blocking the sun is a simple and effective way to reduce heat in your home during the summer. By closing your curtains, blinds, or shades during the hottest part of the day, you can block out the sun’s rays and keep your home cool.
If you have windows that face directly into the sun, consider installing sun-blocking window film, which will block the sun’s rays without reducing the amount of light that enters your home.
Call a home window tinting service that can install window tint on your house windows, which, in turn, will lead to sun glare reduction. As the solar heat stays blocked because of the residential window tinting, the house will feel much cooler.
You can also use outdoor shading devices, such as awnings, pergolas, or shading screens, to block the sun from entering your windows. Additionally, you can plant trees or install shading devices on your roof to provide shade for your home.
#2 Install an Attic Fan
An attic fan can help reduce the temperature in your home by removing hot air from your attic, which is the warmest part of your home during the summer. This can also help lower your air conditioning costs, as the AC unit won’t have to work as hard to cool your home.
#3 Use Fans
Using fans is a simple and effective way to keep your home cool during the hot summer days. Fans work by circulating air and creating a cooling breeze, which can help lower the temperature in your home.
Place a fan in front of a window to help draw in cooler air from outside, or use a ceiling fan to circulate the cool air throughout your home. Be sure to adjust the direction of your ceiling fan blades to run counterclockwise in the summer, which will create a cooling breeze.
#4 Reduce Heat-Producing Activities
Reducing heat-producing activities in your home during the hot summer days is another effective way to stay cool and comfortable. Cooking, doing laundry, and using appliances can all produce a lot of heat, making it important to limit these activities during the hottest parts of the day.
To reduce heat-producing activities, try to do these tasks during the cooler parts of the day or in the evening when the temperature has dropped. You should also consider using alternative appliances that produce less heat, such as a microwave or toaster oven, instead of your stove or oven.
Finally, limit your use of lights and electronics, as they also produce heat, and unplug any electronics that are not in use to reduce heat production in your home.
#5 Upgrade Your AC
If your air conditioning system is old or not working efficiently, it might be time to upgrade. A new, high-efficiency AC system can lower your cooling costs and help keep your home comfortable all summer long.
Besides, you may want to consider installing a programmable thermostat, which will allow you to control your AC from anywhere and set it to turn on before you get home so that you always walk into a cool home.
The New York Times reported that summers over the past few years had been some of the hottest the earth has ever seen. As stated earlier, things will only get worse. Right now, the best thing for you to do is to try and keep your house as cool as possible.
By taking these simple steps, you can keep your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer days while also reducing your cooling costs. Whether you choose to block the sun, install an attic fan, use fans, reduce heat-producing activities, or upgrade your AC system, you’ll be able to beat the heat and enjoy a comfortable home all summer long.
