Summertime is a great time to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be a time when your home becomes incredibly hot and humid. Without proper preparation, the heat and humidity can make it difficult to sleep or stay comfortable in your home. Here are some tips for keeping your entire home cool this summer.
Faulty Air Conditioner
One of the best ways to keep your home cool this summer is to ensure your air conditioner is working correctly. If you notice that your air conditioning system is not cooling your home as efficiently as it used to, it may be time for a cooling system tune-up, repair, or replacement. When you notice this, act quickly, as a broken air conditioner can make your home uncomfortable and unproductive. A broken AC can also be dangerous in extreme heat.
Use Fans Wisely
Another great way to keep your home cool is by using fans wisely. Ceiling fans and portable fans can help circulate the air in your home and make it feel cooler. However, it’s important to note that fans do not lower the temperature of a room; they only make it feel cooler. If you’re using a fan with an air conditioner, be sure to turn off the fan when you leave the room. This will help save energy. Also, ensure you place fans near windows so that they can help push cooler air into your home.
Close the Blinds
Another simple way to keep your home cool is by closing the blinds or curtains during the day. This will help block the sun’s heat and make your home feel cooler. Blinds and curtains can also reduce glare in your home, making it more comfortable to stay inside.
Avoid Using Heat-Generating Appliances
During the summer, try to avoid using appliances that generate heat, such as:
- Oven
- Clothes Dryer
- Dishwasher
These appliances will make your home warmer and can cause it difficult to cool down. If you need to use these appliances, be sure to do so in the morning or evening when it’s cooler outside.
Insulate Your Home
One of the best ways to keep your whole house cool this summer is to ensure it’s adequately insulated. Good insulation will help keep the cool air inside your home and prevent hot air from entering the home. If you live in an older home, you may want to consider adding insulation to your attic or crawl space. This can be a great way to improve the cooling efficiency of your home and make it more comfortable during the summer months.
Use Cold Water
It is essential to use cold water when possible, during the summer. This includes:
- Taking cooler showers
- Washing your clothes in cold water
- Cooking with cold water
Using cold water can help lower your home’s temperature and make it more comfortable during the summer. It is also essential to stay hydrated. Drinking cold water can help reduce your body temperature and make you feel more comfortable in a warm environment. You can also use cold water to cool down your home. Soak a towel in cold water and place it over a fan to help circulate the cool air. You could also fill a bowl with ice cubes and put it in front of a fan to create an instant air conditioner.
Open the Windows at Night
One of the best ways to cool your home naturally is by opening the windows at night. This will allow the cool night air to flow into your home and help lower the temperature. Ensure you open the windows on the shady side of your home to help keep the cool air indoors. Also, close the windows during the day so the heat doesn’t come in.
Take Advantage of the Outdoors
Take advantage of the outdoors whenever possible by spending time in your backyard or on your deck. This will help you stay cool while enjoying the summer weather. If you have a pool, take some time to cool off in the water. And, if you don’t have a pool, consider investing in a portable air conditioner that you can use outdoors.
Plant Shade Trees
Planting shade trees around your home can be a great way to keep it cool if you have the space. Trees will provide natural shade and can help block out the sun’s heat. This can be a great way to keep your home cooler in the summer months. Trees can also help improve the air quality in your home and provide other benefits, such as reducing noise pollution.
Use Window Film
Another great way to keep your home cool is a window film. Window film is a thin material that you can apply to your windows that will reflect the sun’s heat. This can help reduce the heat that comes into your home and make it more comfortable during the summer months.
Get Awnings or Solar Screens
You may consider getting awnings or solar screens if you have large windows or doors. These can help keep the sun’s heat out of your home and make it more comfortable during summer. They can also be a great way to reduce your energy costs by keeping your home cooler.
Install Weather Stripping
If you have doors or windows that leak air, be sure to install weather stripping. This will help seal the gaps and prevent hot air from entering your home. Weather stripping is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and it can make a big difference in the comfort of your home during the summer months.
Let’s Get Started with Smoak’s Comfort Control
You can do several things to keep your whole house cool this summer. You can make your home more comfortable and reduce energy costs by taking some simple steps. So, use these tips to keep your home cool and comfortable this summer.
At Smoak’s Comfort Control, we specialize in providing the most efficient AC repair and heating repair services for residents throughout the Lowcountry. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment!