Summer heat can be brutal, especially for people who do not have air-conditioning in their homes. Even if you have AC, you may be hoping to save money on cooling costs this year. Fortunately, there are easy ways to cool your home without AC.
Create a Breeze to Cool Your Home Without AC
Open the windows to create a breeze. If your windows allow it, open the top section of the windows on the first floor. Open the bottom section of the windows on the second floor. This helps create a cross-breeze to cool your living spaces.
In the evenings, leave the windows open. The outside temperature will drop and the breeze will bring cooler air into your home.
Keep the Blinds Closed
Sunlight coming through windows causes the interior temperature to rise. Simply closing the blinds or curtains will slow the temperature increase from radiant heat. For best results, install blackout blinds, curtains, or shades. These are designed to block sunlight to promote better sleep, however, they will also help the inside of your home feel cooler when the sun outside is blazing.
Another way to block the sunlight is to install awnings on the exterior of your windows. Awnings also increase the visual appeal of your home and can change the look of the exterior.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans help move air through the house. They also cool you directly when you’re in the room. In the summer, make sure ceiling fans are set to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. This will push the air down, creating a wind-chill effect for people in the room.
Insulate
Proper insulation in your home keeps it warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Make sure your attic and walls are well-insulated. Not only will it keep your house cooler, but good insulation will make your home more energy-efficient and you’ll see lower electric bills.
In addition to insulating the attic, check around doors and windows for leaks, paying attention to areas where you can feel the heat coming through. Use weather stripping or silicone caulk to seal gaps and cracks. This will help keep the cool air from leaving your home and the hot air from getting indoors.
Other Tips to Cool Your Home Without AC
To keep your home cooler, use large appliances (such as the clothes washer and dryer, oven, and dishwasher) only at night. These machines produce heat when in use, so refrain from using them during the hottest hours of the day.
Close off unused sections of your house, like the attic and guest bedrooms. If you’re too warm to sleep well, purchase sheets and pillowcases made from cooling fabrics so you’re more comfortable.
If humidity is a problem, purchase a dehumidifier. Reducing the amount of moisture in the air will help your home feel cooler. To save on energy, chose a dehumidifier that shuts off automatically when the humidity drops to the level you want.
With a little effort, you can save money on the electric bills and keep your home cooler and more comfortable during the hot summer months.
Reliable Real Estate Inspections, LLC provides inspections to customers in Hilton Head and the surrounding areas. Contact us to request our services.