
12 Expert Tricks to keep your house cool in summer
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Looking to keep your house cool in summer without depending on the A/C? Whether you’re trying to lower energy bills or live where air conditioning isn’t common, there are plenty of effective ways to manage indoor temperatures. From blocking sunlight to setting up cross-ventilation, our guide provides 12 tried-and-true tips to keep your house comfortable even on the hottest days. Read on to discover affordable and practical ways to enjoy a cooler home all summer long.
1. Chillin’ by Grillin’
Why turn on the oven and heat up the whole home? Take your dinner outside and take advantage of the grill. Also, no-cook meals like salads will keep you cool and fresh all summer long.
2. Create Shade All Day
Sunshine means heat. Use shades, blinds, and curtains to cover windows and keep the heat out. Bonus- blocking the sunshine will also keep rugs and upholstery from fading.
3. Use Cotton Sheets
Flannel sheets are cozy in winter and satin is certainly luxurious, but plain cotton sheets will keep you cooler in the summertime. Choose percale weave over sateen for optimal coolness and don’t be fooled by ultra high thread counts. Higher thread counts often do not mean higher quality and can be much warmer than lower thread count sheets.
4. Have a Cold Shower
Another trick to stay cool at night is to take a cool shower before bed. It will help lower your body temperature so that you can fall asleep more easily.
5. Choose aCooler Light
Incandescent light bulbs burn hot. Shut off the lights whenever possible to keep those miniature heaters from warming up your home.
6. Install Ceiling Fans
File this under: cool yourself, not the house. While fans do not drop the overall temperature, they make you feel cooler because they blow away the hot air around your skin and help sweat evaporate.
7. Go With the (air)Flow
Besides using a fans, you can create airflow inside the home by opening opposite doors and windows to create a wind tunnel.
8. Try the Ice Cube Trick
Another great trick with the fan: Set a bowl off ice in front of the fan. The air will flow over the ice cubes and send that icy cool air your way.
9. Use heat-reducing window films
Applying heat-reducing window films can significantly lower the temperature in your house by reflecting the sun's rays outside. It's like giving your windows sunglasses!
10. Set programmable thermostats
Programmable thermostats let you set cooler temperatures for when you're home and higher temperatures when you're away, saving energy and keeping your home just right.
11.Plant shade-providing foliage
Planting trees or tall plants around your home can provide natural shade, making your outdoor space cooler and reducing the heat that enters your home. Trees like oak, maple, and elm grow tall and wide, providing ample shade in the summer. They lose their leaves in the winter, allowing sunlight to warm your home during cooler months.
12. Regular maintenance of A/C units
Keeping your A/C and HVAC systems running smoothly is crucial for a cool, comfortable home. Experts like COIT specialize in ensuring your systems are efficient and effective and free from dust, black mold, or other issues.
Don't wait for a breakdown during a heatwave; schedule an appointment with us to get professional maintenance and enjoy peace of mind all summer long.
Contact COIT for a professional cleaning!
For more summer tips like getting grass stains out of carpets, see the COIT blog.
FAQs
Q: What are the best ways to keep your house cool in the summer?
A: Some of the best ways to keep your house cool in summer include blocking sunlight with shades or blinds, using fans to boost airflow, and switching to LED lighting. Simple additions like window films or reflective blinds can also make a big difference in keeping indoor temperatures down.
Q: How can I keep my house cool without using air conditioning?
A: To keep your house cool without A/C, focus on natural cooling methods, such as creating cross-ventilation, using fans strategically, and closing blinds during the hottest parts of the day. You can also try grilling outside to avoid heating up the kitchen or add houseplants that naturally absorb warmth.
Q: Do ceiling fans help keep the house cool in summer?
A: Yes, ceiling fans can help keep your house cooler by improving air circulation and creating a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler. Use them along with other cooling tips for the best results, especially during warmer months.
Q: Are there any affordable tips for keeping my house cool in summer?
A: Definitely! Affordable ways to keep your house cool include using blackout curtains to block sun, grilling outdoors instead of using the oven, and using fans near windows to bring in cooler night air. Small changes like these can help keep your house comfortable without driving up energy costs.
Q: Can plants help in keeping the house cool?
A: Yes, certain indoor plants, like ferns or peace lilies, can help cool down your home by adding moisture to the air. Trees or tall bushes planted near windows also create natural shade, which helps keep rooms cooler during the summer.
Q: Are there any long-term solutions for keeping my house cool in hot weather?
A: For long-term cooling, consider installing heat-reflective window films, adding attic insulation, or planting shade trees around your home. These adjustments can help keep your house cooler season after season.