What Are You Doing To Beat The Heat This Summer?

For many of us, summer has arrived in earnest, bringing with it plenty of glorious sunshine, but also more heat than any of us are ready to deal with. Make sure that your home is ready to help you handle that heat, using the tips below to stay cool, safe, and healthy in your home.

Image source

Use Fans Strategically

Fans are an economical and efficient way to cool your home. Ceiling fans, when used correctly, can make a room feel up to 4 degrees cooler by creating a wind-chill effect. Ensure that ceiling fans are rotating counterclockwise during the summer to push cool air down. In addition to ceiling fans, portable fans can be placed in strategic locations to enhance air circulation. Positioning fans near windows during the evening and night can draw cooler air into the home. Another technique is to place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to create a makeshift air conditioner, which can provide temporary relief in particularly hot spots of the house.

Close Blinds and Curtains

Direct sunlight can significantly increase indoor temperatures, so managing window coverings is crucial. During the hottest parts of the day, close blinds, curtains, or shades to block out the sun. Consider using blackout curtains or thermal curtains, which are specifically designed to reduce heat gain. These curtains have a reflective backing that bounces sunlight away from the windows, keeping rooms cooler. For added effectiveness, focus on covering windows that receive the most sunlight, typically those facing south and west. By minimizing the amount of sunlight that enters your home, you can significantly reduce indoor temperatures.

Use Light-Colored Fabrics

Light-colored fabrics for curtains, bedding, and upholstery can help keep your home cooler. Dark colors absorb more heat, while light colors reflect it. Choosing white or pastel-colored curtains and bed linens can prevent rooms from heating up. Additionally, switching to lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen for bed sheets and pillowcases can enhance comfort during hot nights. Light-colored rugs or carpets can also help maintain a cooler indoor environment by reflecting rather than absorbing heat. This simple yet effective change in your home decor can contribute to a more comfortable living space during the summer months.

Image source

Optimize Insulation

Proper insulation is not just for keeping your home warm in the winter; it also plays a crucial role in maintaining cool indoor temperatures during the summer. Insulating your attic and walls can prevent hot air from entering and cool air from escaping. Additionally, insulating ducts and sealing any leaks can ensure that your cooling system operates efficiently. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows with double glazing, as seen here, can further reduce heat transfer. By optimizing insulation throughout your home, you create a barrier that helps maintain a stable indoor temperature, reducing the need for constant air conditioning and lowering energy costs.

Seal Gaps

Sealing gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other openings can prevent warm air from infiltrating your home. Weatherstripping and caulking are effective methods for closing these gaps. Inspect areas around window frames, door sills, and electrical outlets for any signs of leaks. In older homes, you might also need to check for gaps in the foundation or around chimneys. By ensuring that your home is well-sealed, you can maintain a cooler indoor environment and improve energy efficiency. This preventive measure not only keeps your home cooler in the summer but also contributes to maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round.

Cook Outside

Cooking indoors can significantly increase the temperature of your home, especially when using the oven or stove. To avoid this, take advantage of the summer weather by cooking outside on a grill or using an outdoor kitchen setup. If outdoor cooking is not an option, consider using smaller, less heat-generating appliances like a microwave, toaster oven, or slow cooker. Preparing cold meals, such as salads or sandwiches, can also reduce the need to use heat-producing kitchen appliances. By minimizing indoor cooking during the hottest parts of the day, you can keep your home cooler and enjoy a more pleasant living environment.

Image source

Limit Appliance Use

Many household appliances generate heat, which can contribute to higher indoor temperatures. To keep your home cooler, limit the use of heat-generating appliances such as dishwashers, clothes dryers, and ovens during peak heat hours. Instead, run these appliances during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Additionally, switching to energy-efficient appliances can reduce heat output and lower energy consumption. Unplugging electronic devices when not in use can also prevent them from emitting heat. By being mindful of appliance use, you can effectively manage indoor temperatures and maintain a cooler home.

Ventilate at Night

Nighttime ventilation can be an effective way to cool your home naturally. As temperatures drop in the evening, open windows and doors to allow cool air to flow through your home. Creating a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the house can enhance air circulation and expel trapped heat. Use fans to help draw in cool air and push out warm air. In multi-story homes, open windows on the upper floors release hot air that rises. By ventilating your home at night, you can take advantage of cooler outdoor temperatures while also improving air quality in the home, as seen here, and maintain a more comfortable indoor environment without relying heavily on air conditioning.

Install Reflective Window Film

Reflective window film is an effective way to reduce heat gain through windows. This film can be applied directly to the glass and works by reflecting sunlight away from the window, reducing the amount of heat that enters your home. Reflective window films are available in various shades and levels of reflectivity, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs. In addition to keeping your home cooler, these films can also reduce glare and protect furnishings from UV damage. By installing reflective window film, you can enhance your home’s energy efficiency and maintain a cooler indoor environment during the summer months.

Staying cool in your home isn’t just a question of comfort. It’s important for your health and safety as well. Overheating and dehydration are real risks and the tips above can help you combat them.