Summertime is here and that means it’s going to be hot, hot, hot. Staying cool is important, but running your home’s AC full-time wastes energy and costs a lot of money. For those hoping to reduce their energy consumption and associated costs, as well as those who might not have central air conditioning in the first place, here are several ways to keep your home cool this summer.
1. Invest in Blackout Curtains
Blocking sunlight is one of the best ways to reduce the temperature inside your house. Don’t rely on plastic or metal blinds or thin curtains for this. You’ll want blackout curtains made of thick material that completely blocks the sun and heat. You can lower the interior temperature of your home by several degrees just by hanging some new curtains.
2. Open Your Windows at Night and in the Morning
Want to keep your home cooler and more comfortable during the summer? Take advantage of the lower temperatures in the early morning and at night. By opening your windows, you allow cool air in, force warmer air out, and help keep the air in your home fresher and less stale. Make sure that you have good screens on your windows, however, to prevent insects from coming inside. If your windows don’t open properly, now’s a good time to consider replacing them.
3. Don’t Use the Oven
There’s nothing quite like a home-cooked meal. However, using the oven can increase the temperature inside your home by several degrees, turning what might be a tolerable temperature into something that leaves you with sweat stains. Consider no-cook meals, like salads, or choose to cook outdoors on the grill. Even a toaster oven won’t have the same impact on your indoor temperatures as the oven.
4. Use Fans
Fans don’t change the temperature of the room, but moving air helps keep you cooler by wicking away body heat. Ceiling fans can help you remain more comfortable during the summer, but you can also invest in floor fans, box fans, and other types to use throughout the house. Make sure your ceiling fans are set for summer – they should push air downward rather than pulling it upward as in the winter.
With these handy tips, you don’t have to be at the mercy of the summer heat. You can keep your cool and stay more comfortable no matter what the outdoor thermometer might say. Contact Rusco Windows and Doors to learn more!