When the mercury starts rising it can make just about everything feel hot and uncomfortable. In areas that deal with the heat all year round, trying to keep your home cool can be a constant challenge.
Energy costs are rising and the expense of constantly running your air conditioner can lead to shockingly high electric bills. Staying cool in the heat can be important for more than your comfort but for your health as well. Heat exhaustion can affect the old and young quickly as the temperature rises.
You don’t need to only rely on your air conditioner to keep your home cool, but making an annual appointment to service your air conditioner can help. If you are looking for more creative ways to beat the heat, take a look at our list of things you can do to keep the heat out and your home more comfortable.
Close Your Blinds
A large part of the heat that gets trapped inside your house comes from the sun filtering in through your windows. The sun’s rays can create a greenhouse effect in your home where the heat gets trapped and causes the temperatures to rise. You may even want to invest in blackout curtains or blinds to keep the sun out during the hottest parts of the day.
Block Off Unused Areas
If you have bedrooms or areas in your home that aren’t used regularly, then keep the doors shut and the vents closed. There is no point in using energy to cool rooms that you are not using. Opening your doors and windows in the evening to create a cross breeze can help to quickly lower the temperature for more comfortable sleeping.
Fans
Air circulation is key in keeping you cool and comfortable in the summer. Turn on your bathroom fans, overhead units and even standing models to keep the flow of air moving throughout your house. You can even try putting a bowl of ice in front of a floor fan so the cooler air can be moved around the room.
Plants & Trees
Having trees shading your home can make a huge difference when trying to stay cool. Plants in front of windows to help block the sun can help keep your home cooler. If you are thinking of adding trees to your landscape, focus on planting on the southern and eastern sides of your home for the best results. Never plant too close to the house to avoid potential danger with overhanging branches as your trees mature.
Appliances
When it is already warm in your home, adding the heat of appliances can push the temperature even higher. Doing your laundry in the evening once the temperatures start to drop helps keep you more comfortable during the hotter parts of the day. Think about getting more use out of your outdoor grill as an alternative to heating up the house with your oven or stove. Replacing traditional light bulbs with LED lights can reduce the amount of ambient heat being spread through your home.
