Summer is the time of year when temperatures rise rapidly. In some parts of the country, the temperature can reach over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). This means that keeping your home cool becomes even more important.
How to Keep Your Home Cool in the Summer
1. Insulate your walls and ceiling
Insulation helps to keep heat from escaping through the walls or roof of a building. It also keeps cold air out during winter months. You can insulate your home by adding insulation to the outside wall, the attic, and/or the basement.
2. Use fans
Fans are an inexpensive way to help circulate cool air throughout your home. Fans work best if they are placed near windows and doors. They should be turned on as soon as you enter your home in the morning, and then turned off at night.
3. Install window film
Window film is another simple way to reduce the amount of heat coming into your home. Simply apply it to the inside surface of all glass windows. The film works by reflecting sunlight away from the room.
4. Add a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air. Moisture causes humidity which makes the air feel warmer than it actually is. A dehumidifier will remove this excess water from the air.
5. Open curtains and blinds
Open curtains and blinds let light into your home. If you have them closed during the day, they may trap too much heat.
6. Close drapes
Closets and other rooms with heavy draperies can trap heat. Closing these draperies will allow cooler air to flow into the room.
7. Turn down the thermostat
The thermostat controls how warm or cool your home feels. When the temperature reaches the set point, the thermostat turns the heating or cooling system on and off.
8. Use a programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats are easy to use. They automatically adjust the temperature based on the time of day. For example, they might turn up the heat in the evening, but lower it in the early hours of the morning.
9. Invest in a humidifier
Humidifiers add moisture back into the air. This reduces the likelihood of having dry skin and cracked lips.
10. Change your air filters
Air filters capture dust particles and allergens. These particles can cause breathing problems for people who suffer from allergies. Changing your filter regularly will improve indoor air quality.
11. Clean your AC unit
Cleaning your air conditioning unit will make sure that it runs efficiently.
12. Seal cracks around windows and doors
Cracks around windows and doors let hot air escape. Sealing these cracks will prevent heat from entering your home.
13. Check your pipes
Pipes carry water and waste throughout your home. Pipes can become clogged with debris. Clogs can lead to leaks and flooding. Regularly checking your pipes will ensure that there are no issues.
14. Replace old appliances
Old appliances leak energy when they are operating. Replacing old appliances with new ones will save money over time.
15. Get rid of clutter
Clutter blocks airflow. Keeping things organized will help to increase airflow throughout your home.
16. Keep plants indoors
Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Plants can help to purify the air in your home. However, they need to stay outside.
17. Make sure your HVAC system is working properly
If your HVAC system isn’t running correctly, you could be wasting money. Have your system checked out by a professional.
18. Insulate your attic
Insulating your attic will keep heat trapped inside. It will also keep cold air from escaping.
19. Choose low-E windows
Low-E windows reflect more sunlight back into the room. This helps to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
20. Add insulation to your walls
Adding insulation to the walls of your home will reduce heat loss.
21. Turn down the lights
Lowering the lighting levels will help to cut down on heat.
How to stay cool in extreme heat
1. Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids will help to maintain proper body temperature. Water is an excellent choice because it doesn’t contain any calories.
2. Avoid alcohol
Alcohol dehydrates the body. Alcohol has been proven to raise core body temperature.
3. Wear loose clothing
Loose clothing allows sweat to evaporate easily. Wearing layers will help to keep you comfortable.
4. Drink herbal tea
Herbal teas have diuretic properties. Drinking them will help to flush excess fluid from your body.
5. Eat foods rich in potassium
Potassium is essential for maintaining healthy muscles. Foods high in potassium include bananas, spinach, beans, and tomatoes.
6. Take a bath or shower
Taking a bath or shower will help to remove toxins from your body.
7. Use fans
Fans circulate air through your home. They will help to keep the air moving. Fans work best if placed near the ceiling.
8. Don’t use the oven
The heat generated by the oven can actually raise your internal temperature. Using the oven during hot weather will only make matters worse.
9. Open windows
Opening windows will allow fresh air to enter your home.
10. Sleep with a fan
A fan blowing directly at your face will keep you cool while you sleep.
How do you get the hot air out of a room?
1. Close all vents
Close all vents to prevent warm air from entering your home.
2. Install a window unit
Installing a window unit will let in natural light but block out the heat.
3. Seal cracks around doors and windows
Sealing up small openings will prevent warm air from circulating.
Conclusion
There are many ways to keep your home cool in summer. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to keep your home comfortable. Simply follow these tips and enjoy a cool, comfortable home this summer!
