6 Brilliant Ways to Escape the Summer Heat at Home

If the entire world had to agree on the worst part of summer, the decision would most definitely be the scorching summer heat. Although the heat does vary from one country to the next, it still makes an appearance across the globe. This leads many people to the one solution they know; the AC.

Despite providing us with a cool breeze, keeping the AC switched on at all times is not an economic or environmentally-friendly solution. There are several easy solutions that help keep the internal temperature of a home neutral and bearable. So before you stretch your hand and grab the remote, considering trying these smart tips.

Fans 

Despite their cooling effect, fans have become underrated. Use both box fans and ceiling fans to encourage air circulation throughout your home. At night, when the air is cooler outside, open all windows and turn on the fans. This will allow the air to circulate and push out the hot air. During the day, however, close all doors and windows to keep the warm air from seeping in and contain the cool air inside. Moreover, fans are much more cost efficient than AC since they use less electricity.

Drapes and Blinds

Curtains are extremely important during the summer, as they can reduce the amount of heat entering the home. Choose light-colored fabrics that will reflect the sun’s rays. Furthermore, try to keep minimal space between the curtain and wall to reduce heat gain. For extra insulation, install two-layered drapes that will be helpful in both summer and winter.

While blinds are not as effective, they still have a part to play. Adjust your blinds to allow a little bit of light and reflect most of the sun’s heat. Make sure the reflective side of the blind is facing outward. Moreover, to reduce the amount of heat entering your home, close south and west-facing curtains during the day.

Landscaping

You can also rely on maintaining a landscape that will save you from the summer heat. Trees, vines, and shrubs can all be used to reduce the amount of heat entering your home. Plant trees at the south and west sides of the home. They provide shade during the summer and allow light and heat in during winter.

Quick to grow, vines are an excellent source of shading and cooling. For the best protection against summer heat, place the vines on the hottest side of the house. As for shrubs, the protect the lower parts of walls from the summer sun. Try to find shrubs that do not require much maintenance and that only grow to a fixed height.

In addition, if your home features any rock walls, paved areas, or rock features, make sure they are not placed in the south or west sides. They will radiate heat and eventually increase the temperature of the area.

Eliminate Heat Sources

Various household items are known to generate unnecessary amounts of heat inside the house. Reduce the use of incandescent light bulbs or avoid them altogether and switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs. Don’t keep computers and appliances running at all times, switch them off while they are not in use.

Furthermore, reduce your usage of stoves and ovens which generate a lot of heat and use pressure cookers, microwaves, or barbecues instead. Washing machines and dryers also increase the heat circulating in your home, so try to use them early in the morning or in the evening if possible. Another extra step you can take is to line-dry your clothes and air dry dishes instead of relying on the dishwasher’s drying cycle.

While you may not notice it, all these appliances generate a tremendous amount of heat. They add to the summer heat lurking inside your home and only make it worse. So when possible, reduce the usage of unneeded appliances and keep your home nice and cool.

Insulation

Insulation plays a great role in reducing summer heat inside the house. When properly installed, it will keep the house cooler during summer and warmer in winter. Insulate all doors and windows in your home and check them regularly for any air leaks. More contained, your home’s internal temperature will be much more enjoyable.

Tune your AC unit

Finally, there will be days when you can’t resist the satisfying AC breeze. Before that time comes, have your AC unit checked and serviced by professionals. This will allow it to run more efficiently and provide you with that long-awaited breath of cool air.