As summer draws near, you need to be ready to face the summer heat by keeping your home cool and comfortable. Even though your air conditioning unit plays a crucial role in ensuring a comfortable environment for your home, there are other ways to keep your home cooler while helping you save on your monthly utility bill.
Keeping your home comfortable is possible with the right equipment and strategies. Here are some helpful hints for keeping your home cool this summer:
Maintain The Performance Of Your Air Conditioner
If you want to keep a cool indoor environment in your home during the summer, make sure your air conditioner is functioning optimally.
One way to achieve this is by scheduling routine maintenance with a professional. You might want to check out a reliable provider such as ASAP Air Conditioning or others to maintain your AC unit in good working order before the summer season. Keeping your AC unit in good shape will ensure a comfortable home during the summer and maintain efficiency to minimize your monthly utility bill.
Keep The Sun Out Of The Windows
The light streaming into your home via the windows can increase the indoor temperature. Determine the sun’s and shade’s position in relation to your home to aid in selecting appropriate window treatments.
For instance, white or pastel curtains can help block out sunlight while also reflecting heat away from your home. Moreover, keep the blinds or shades closed, especially during noon, to keep your home cool. You may also consider using reflective window film to keep the sun out and reduce the amount of heat in your home.
Close Any Unused Rooms In Your Home
Closing off rooms in your house that you rarely use can help cool down the indoor environment. Doing so prevents cool air from entering during the hottest part of the day. In addition, if you’re using an air conditioner to cool your home, turn off the vents in these rooms as well.
Open The Windows If Possible
The simple task of opening the windows can keep your home cool. Keep in mind that cross-ventilation circulates air throughout your home. You can regulate the airflow in your home by opening windows for short periods throughout the day, particularly at both ends of your house, to drive warm air out and replace it with cool air.
Plant Trees To Create Natural Shade
Planting trees and other foliage around your home can be a long-term solution to extreme heat since it’ll take several years before you can enjoy the benefits. However, as long as you determine a strategic location, the trees will provide natural shade and provide sun protection to your home. By slowing heat transfer into your home, thick trees and shrubs can help cool the roof, siding, and windows.
Generally, the type of tree you plant in your yard will depend on the amount of shade you need. During the selection process, consider the foliage’s growth rate, density, and shape to know the amount of shade it’ll provide.
Unplug Any Unused Appliances Or Electronics
When you’re using several appliances or electronics in your home, the energy necessary to power them generates heat. Sadly, these appliances and electronics create more work for your AC unit. Some of the appliances or electronics you need to turn off or unplug include the following:
- Light fixtures. The more light bulbs and ceiling lights you have in your home, the warmer the indoor environment becomes. Switch off the lights when you’re no longer using them to lower the temperature in your home and save on your utility bill.
- Cooking appliances. The stove and oven can produce and retain heat while cooking. If you want to lessen the heat, consider cooking during the cool part of the day or preparing food outside with a grill.
- Electronic devices. Any device you plug into the wall can generate heat in your home. If you’re no longer using one, unplug it to help lower the temperature in your home.
Install Ceiling Fans
Consider installing ceiling fans if you want to lessen the strain on your air conditioning unit in cooling your home during the summer. The fans work by creating air movement to cool down your home while preventing a drop in the thermostat temperature.
During the summer season, run the ceiling fan in a counterclockwise direction. The method of reversing the rotation of the blades will drive the warm air to the ceiling instead of propelling it in your direction.
Vent The Hot Air Out Of Your Home With The Exhaust Fans
The exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens are responsible for eliminating excess steam. They also play a role in keeping your home cool by drawing out the heat from other rooms nearby. The fans will drive the warm air outside of your home, helping cool your home.
Final Thoughts
The summer season is often associated with escapades at the beach or outdoor drives, but it’s also the time of the year when you’ll face the uncomfortable heat. When you want to keep your home comfortable throughout the season, these simple yet highly effective measures can help lower the indoor temperature of your home while taking off the pressure on your air conditioning unit to keep your house cool during the summer season.
