It’s usually unnoticeable, but the effects of the climate outside our homes dictate our lives and the way we think. For instance, we feel energetic and productive when it’s a cold day. On the flip side, we feel uncomfortable and irritable, especially when high humidity turns the heat oppressive. Being sweaty, damp, and sticky – that’s unbearable. One can always use the air conditioning to blast away the heat and reduce the humidity. But is one ready to face the high monthly utility bills? There is good news. Beyond the air conditioning, there are things one can do to keep the heat inside the home to a minimum. Here’s a look at tips for keeping the house cool.
Home Cooling Tips
Windows and Blinds
Most people are surprised to learn that up to 30% of unwanted heat in their homes comes from the windows. By simply closing the blinds during the day and opening the windows at night, one can keep the day time solar heat increase to a minimum. This simple and effective way can cool the ambient temperature of your home to comfortable levels.
Utilize Fans Strategically
Utilizing fans doesn’t mean placing them everywhere. Until the hot air inside the home is blown out, the number of fans used will not matter. Instead, create tunnels of cool air around the home. Since hot air naturally rises, close the blinds on the main floor while opening the second floor’s windows on the opposite side. When the cool air coming from the main floor rises, it will be blown out on the second floor. Then set up fans at strategic points to fine-tune this system.
Plant Trees and Greenery
The side of the home that receives the most amount of sunlight is where trees and greenery should be planted. These offer shade from the sun, but it’s also a great addition to hang out and add beauty to the property. This summer tree cover can also be thought of as an automatic sunlight filter. As the onset of winter approaches, the leaves start to fall, which means more sunlight can pass through to provide warmth in the colder months.
Add Awnings or Shutters
A great addition to window blinds, awnings and shutters offer another layer of protection from the sun. Although they can be expensive, window awnings can reduce solar heat gain by as much as 70% if installed in strategic locations.
Repaint With Light Colors
When a home’s heat is a problem regardless of outdoor weather, the house might be absorbing more heat than average. The problem might be explained in part if it is a dark-colored home. Dark colors absorb more heat, which is why houses in tropical areas or the south are typically painted in light colors. Repaint walls in rooms that received direct sunlight with light colors, so the heat is reflected. Also, consider changing the colors of the exterior walls and roof if they are dark.
Seal Air Gaps
Significant gaps like those found around doors, windows, and roofs are the potential entry point of heat. If sunlight can pass through, so can heat. Excessive air gaps around the house also disrupt the healthy air patterns around the home, affecting the ambient temperature. These gaps may appear negligible and small, but their impact is real, so these gaps should be sealed either with a caulking material or insulation.
Call Good Deals Heating and Cooling
Having a fine-tuned air conditioning unit is essential for a comfortable home in the summer. Contact Good Deals Heating and Cooling for all your air conditioning needs – call 215-947-1166 to set up an appointment today.
