With the sun blazing overhead, finding ways to keep your house cool in the summer becomes a necessity. The rising temperatures can turn your home into a sweltering hotbox if you’re not careful. But with a few smart strategies and simple adjustments, you can beat the heat and maintain a comfortable and cool atmosphere.
Whether you live in a small apartment or a spacious suburban home, keeping your living space comfortable during the hottest months of the year is non-negotiable. Let’s review ten practical tips for how to keep your house cool in the summer.
How to Keep Your House Cool in the Summer
Keeping your home cool during the summer isn’t just about comfort. High temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. A cooler home can also help you sleep better and be more productive during the day. By implementing some smart cooling strategies, you can keep your living space at a pleasant temperature and save money on cooling costs.
1. Optimize Your Windows
One of the most straightforward ways to keep your house cool is by managing your windows properly. During the day, keep your blinds or curtains closed to block out direct sunlight and prevent your home from turning into a miniature greenhouse. Up to 30% of unwanted heat comes from your windows, and utilizing shades, curtains, and the strategic timing of opening and closing windows can dramatically reduce indoor temperatures.
- Use blackout curtains: These can block sunlight entirely, making them perfect for east and west-facing windows.
- Open windows at night: Allow cooler air to circulate by opening your windows during the cooler nighttime hours.
2. Use Ceiling Fans Effectively
Ceiling fans are great for creating a breeze that helps evaporate sweat and cool your body. However, make sure your fans are rotating in the right direction:
- Rotate counterclockwise: This pushes the cool air down and helps you feel cooler without adjusting the room temperature.
3. Focus on Your Bedding
Believe it or not, changing your bedding can make a big difference in keeping cool. Opt for cotton sheets, which are more breathable than polyester and can help wick away sweat. Additionally, consider using a damp sheet as a DIY air cooler by hanging it in front of an open window; the evaporating water will help cool the room.
4. Seal Gaps and Add Insulation
Your home’s insulation isn’t just for keeping warm in the winter; it also helps keep your home cool in the summer by stabilizing the internal temperature.
- Seal gaps: Check for and seal any gaps around your doors and windows to keep hot air out and cool air in.
- Use draft stoppers: These can prevent hot air from coming in and cool air from escaping.
5. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting
Incandescent bulbs produce a lot of heat. Switch to LED bulbs, which use less energy and produce significantly less heat, helping to keep your home cooler.
6. Cook Smart
One of the most simple yet effective ways to keep your house cool in the summer is to cook smart. Avoid using the oven or stove during the hottest parts of the day because they add a lot of extra heat to your home. Instead:
- Use a microwave, toaster oven, or outdoor grill: These produce less heat and help keep your house cooler.
- Prepare cold meals: Salads, sandwiches, and other no-cook foods can prevent your kitchen from turning into a hot spot.
7. Use Exhaust Fans and Ventilation
Proper ventilation can help remove hot air from your home and draw in cooler air.
- Use exhaust fans: Consider using these fans throughout your home, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms, to pull out hot air and steam.
- Enhance airflow: Create a cross breeze by opening opposite windows or using window fans to push hot air out.
8. Plant Shade Trees and Use Landscaping
Outdoor landscaping can significantly impact your indoor temperatures. Planting deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home can block intense sunlight during the summer while allowing sunlight to warm your home during the winter.
- Shade your AC unit: This can increase its efficiency by keeping it cooler.
9. Dehumidify Your Space
Reducing humidity levels can make your home feel cooler and more comfortable.
- Use a dehumidifier: Especially in naturally humid areas or during rainy summer days.
- Take cooler showers: This reduces humidity and the overall temperature in your home.
10. Upgrade Your Air Conditioning
An efficient air conditioning system is one of the most effective ways to keep your house cool in the summer. If you have an AC unit:
- Invest in regular maintenance: Keep your air conditioner in top shape by cleaning the air filter and checking for any issues. It’s also important to schedule a professional tune-up on an annual basis.
- Upgrade if necessary: Consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model if your current system is old.
The Role of AC Units in Cooling Your Home
As you can see, there are many ways to keep your house cool in the summer — but having a reliable AC unit is one of the most noteworthy. Why? Air conditioning units are vital for keeping your living spaces comfortable during extreme heat. They remove heat from inside your home and release it outside, replacing it with cooler air.
Types of AC Units
Central air conditioning systems are ideal for cooling multiple rooms in your house. They are efficient but require regular maintenance to keep them running effectively. For homes without traditional ductwork, ductless mini-split systems provide a versatile and efficient cooling solution. They can be installed in specific rooms and don’t require extensive installation.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an AC Unit
When the time comes for a new AC installation service, the abundance of options can make the decision overwhelming. With so many great air conditioners available, it’s essential to consider various factors to make sure you choose the right one. Let’s delve into the key aspects you should contemplate when selecting an AC unit, enabling you to combat the hot weather effectively without any compromises.
Size of the Space
Choosing the right size for your AC unit is crucial. A unit too small won’t cool your home effectively, while a too-large unit will cycle on and off, increasing your energy costs.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
Look for units with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficiently the air conditioner operates, which can significantly reduce your electric bill.
Cost and Budget
Consider both the initial purchase price and the long-term operating costs. Investing in a more efficient unit can save money over time despite a higher upfront cost.
Installation Requirements
Make sure your home can accommodate the AC unit you choose. This might involve ductwork for central systems or space for outdoor units in ductless systems.
Beat the Heat With Zenner & Ritter!
Investing time and effort into keeping your home cool during the summer will not only increase your comfort but also improve your health and save on energy costs. By following these tips, you can enjoy a fresher, cooler living environment even during the hottest days. And remember, for all your needs — whether that’s air conditioning maintenance, replacement, or repair — Zenner & Ritter is here to help.
Now that you know how to keep your house cool in the summer, why wait any longer to improve your comfort? If you’re looking to upgrade or maintain your air conditioning system this summer, consider Zenner & Ritter, your trusted air conditioning service company. Contact us today for all your cooling needs, and start enjoying a more comfortable home this summer!
