Sometimes, the summer heat can cause discomfort and may even lead to heat-related health problems. To combat the heat and make your home more comfortable in summer, you need to make necessary arrangements beforehand. In this article, you’ll find 5 foolproof ways to prep your house for the summer heat.
Prep your Home for Summer Heat – 5 Proven Ways
Here are a few effective ways to tackle the summer heat:
1. Block the Heat
Blocking out the heat is the first step in keeping your home cool throughout the summer. Installing window coverings like blinds or shades is one way to achieve this. You can also use curtains made from light-colored and lightweight materials to block the sun’s heat. Another option to block the heat is to install solar screens on your windows.
2. Adjust Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help in air circulation to make your home feel cooler. To maximize their effectiveness, you should consider adjusting theceiling fan blades. During the summer, your fan blades should rotate counterclockwise to create a cool breeze in your home.
3. Replace Windows and Roofs
Replacing the windows and roofs is a long-term solution to keep your home cool during the summer. New windows and roofs can reduce the heat that enters your home and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
4. Power Wash Surfaces
Power washing your home’s exterior surfaces can also help control the home’s temperature. Over time, dirt, dust, and grime can accumulate on your home’s exterior surfaces, which can absorb heat from the sun, eventually making your home hotter than it actually is. Power washing your home’s exterior surfaces can help remove these accumulations, which can help keep your home cooler.
5. Chill Out in the Evening
During the summer, the temperature drops in the evening, making it the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. To make the most of this cooler temperature, you can create an outdoor living space to relax and chill out in the evening. You can also add some outdoor lighting to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Ways to Reduce Energy Costs in Summer
Summer can be expensive for homeowners due to the high costs of cooling their homes. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce energy costs during the summer months, which are as follows:
1. Adjust Your Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to reduce your energy costs during the summer is by adjusting your thermostat. Setting your thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re sleeping or outside can significantly reduce your energy bills. Experts recommend setting your thermostat to 780F during the day and 820F at night.
2. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Another way to reduce energy costs is by using energy-efficient appliances. Appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines can consume a lot of energy – especially during the summer months. Upgrading to smart appliances can significantly reduce energy consumption and save you money.
3. Improve Insulation
Adequate insulation can prevent warm air from infiltrating your home, decreasing the demand for air conditioning. You can consider adding insulation to the floors, walls, and attic to improve the home’s energy efficiency. If you’re not sure how to improve your insulation, partner up with a heat and air OKC expert who can assess your home and recommend the best insulation options.
4. Utilize Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation is an excellent way to keep the house cool during the summer without using energy. You can open doors and windows to let in cool air and create a cross-breeze. If you have a whole-house fan, you can use it to bring in fresh air and exhaust hot air from your home.
Types of Energy-Efficient Cooling Systems
Keeping your home cool during the hot summer months can be a challenge – especially when you’re concerned about energy costs. Various cost-effective cooling systems can assist in keeping you cool while saving energy, including:
1. Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning is undoubtedly the most common cooling system in the United States. It uses a compressor to circulate refrigerant throughout your home, removing heat from the air and returning cool air. While central air conditioning can be expensive to install, it is highly efficient and significantly reduces energy bills.
2. Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are another type of energy-efficient cooling system that moves heat from one area to another. Unlike traditional air conditioning units, which can only cool your home, heat pumps can both cool and heat your home. This can make them a great investment for homeowners who want a single system for both summer and winter.
3. Evaporative Coolers
Evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers, are a cost-effective cooling system that works by blowing air over water-soaked pads. Evaporative coolers are highly efficient and can be up to 75% less expensive than traditional air conditioning units. However, they are best suited for dry climates and might not be ideal for high humid areas.
Conclusion
Summer heat can be uncomfortable, but there are several ways to make your home more comfortable, from blocking the heat with blinds to power washing surfaces. By implementing the five tips mentioned in this article, you can enjoy a more comfortable and energy-efficient home during the summer months.
