With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the high temperatures that approach us. Keeping your house cool once the temperatures are sweltering is important if you hope to stay comfortable. Not to mention failing to keep your house cool can even pose threats to your health. Here are some effective ways to keep your house cool this summer.
Install an Air Conditioner
An air conditioner is the most obvious solution, yet also the most practical. Installing an air conditioner is a great way to control your home’s temperature to your liking. Just make sure your house is properly insulated. Running your air conditioner in a house that has cracks and gaps means you’re going to waste a considerable amount of your energy, which isn’t just bad for the planet, but also hard on your wallet.
Tint Your Windows
In addition to closing your blinds and curtains, you should also consider tinting your windows. One of the primary reasons why houses get so hot in the summer is because the sun leaks in through the glass and creates a greenhouse effect. In addition to tinting your windows, you might also want to consider adding reflective window stickers. This provides an affordable yet extremely effective way to block a significant amount of heat.
Promote Air Flow
The more you can get air flowing throughout your home, the more you’ll be able to keep the temperature down. At the end of the day when the sun is long gone, open windows on opposite sides of your house to create airflow. This will help save you a little extra money on your air conditioning bill. Use fans to get the airflow going between each end of the house, and you’ll notice your house feels much cooler and less stuffy.
Keep Doors Closed
If you have a large family, chances are that people are coming in and out throughout the day. While you can’t necessarily stop anyone from coming and going, you can limit the amount of times that the door is open, and perhaps more importantly, the amount of time the door is left open. As soon as someone opens the door, make sure that it’s closed promptly. Any time you allow all that hot air to come in even a few minutes later you will find a significantly increased indoor temperature.
Rely on Nature
Trees do so much more than just add a beautiful natural setting to the outdoors, and provide oxygen— they can also provide shade! Planting trees around your house is a great way to provide natural shade and cooling for your home. Planting trees on the west side of your home will block intense sunlight in the summer, yet also keep your house a little warmer when it’s winter. In addition to trees, you can also plant vines and climbing plants that will add extra shade to the sides of your home.
Not to mention, having large trees around your property can be a huge selling point once you decide to sell your home. People want not only the beauty that trees provide but also find it appealing to know that their house will stay cool without having to rely primarily on air conditioning.
