7 Ways to Naturally Cool Your Home
In the summer swelter, it can be challenging to find effective ways to cool your home without cranking the AC and sending your electric bill skyrocketing. Keep reading to learn how to naturally cool your home without blasting the air conditioner.
Planting and Vegetation
When you go to the store in the summer you look for a parking spot in the shade so that when you’re done shopping your car isn’t a scorching oven. You can do the same thing with your house; if you strategically plant trees, you can take advantage of their natural shade and lower indoor temperatures. You can also pick out heat-reducing landscaping elements, such as stones or concrete, that cool things off by absorbing less heat.
Utilizing Natural Ventilation
Opening windows on opposite sides of a room allows you to create a cross-ventilation so that a natural fresh breeze can flow through and cool the space. Pay attention to what the temperature is supposed to be overnight. If it’s supposed to be cool outside, sleeping with your windows open brings some fresh air in and cools things off.
Installing Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans move air and effectively create a breeze. Position your fan’s blades so they rotate counterclockwise in the summer. This helps them push the cool down and create a wind chill effect.
Managing Indoor Heat Sources
The appliances and electronics that are in your home all generate heat. By limiting their usage, you can bring down the temperature inside your home. You should consider opting for energy-efficient models and using LED lightbulbs since they produce less heat. It’s also important to note that the kitchen and bathroom are often the warmest rooms in a home. Cooking and showering early in the morning or after the sun has set will minimize the amount of heat generated, and result in a cooler home.
Creating Shade and Using Reflective Surfaces
Install awnings, shades, or canopies over windows to block out direct sunlight. Reflective roof coatings and light-colored window blinds and curtains will also help you reduce the heat in your home.
Making Use of Natural Cooling Systems
Instead of relying on your air conditioner to stay cool, invest in whole-house-swamp coolers that use evaporated water to cool the air’s temperature. You can also use wet towels placed in front of open windows to create a similar effect. Finally, if you install a “green roof,” which is really just another name for a rooftop garden, the surface of your roof will be reduced as the vegetation naturally removes some of the heat that’s in the air.
Cooling Off Naturally
By implementing these strategies, you can have a naturally cool home without needing to solely depend on air conditioning. From planting trees and taking advantage of natural ventilation to installing ceiling fans and optimizing landscaping, you can use these sustainable solutions to beat the summer heat. Embrace the power of nature to cool your home.
If you want more ideas on how to keep your home cool and comfortable this summer, contact Holtzople Heating & Air Conditioning today!