Those endless summer days can make it feel like you’re trapped in the middle of the Sahara Dessert. Are you tired of changing your shirt every couple of hours from the sweat stains? The endless days of heat can wear you out and make you irritable. Your home is your haven from the oven outside. Here are some tips to keep your home cool during heat spells.
Use a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air. In humid areas, sweat will not evaporate, leaving your wet, sticky, hot. You will be walking around like you just got out of the shower. Dehumidifiers can be purchased for a reasonable price from most department stores.
Close the Blinds
When it’s hot outside, closing your blinds can keep your house about 15 degrees cooler. When your blinds are open, your home becomes a mini greenhouse with all of the light getting pouring in. If it is too dark with the blinds shut, open the blinds just slightly to let allow some light to peak through.
Optimize your Air Conditioner
Address any air conditioner repairs or maintenance before it’s too late. Schedule an HVAC tune-up to ensure your air conditioner is operating at maximum efficiency. You should also investigate a programmable thermostat to keep your home cooling at maximum comfort. There will be days that running your unit is the only option that provides comfort. You will be grateful for that cool air during the dog days of summer.
Open Your Windows at Night
While the days may be hot, the evenings and nights are lightly still cool. Opening your windows to let that cool air in will temper your home’s temperature during the following day. It’s also calming to have the cool breeze blowing through the screens at night instead of the air conditioner. Nothing is more relaxing than waking up to the crisp and clean air circulating through the house.
Change your Light Bulbs
Energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LEDs, produce much less heat than standard lights. Traditional light bulbs can increase a room’s temperature by as much as 10 degrees. You can also turn off some of the lights during the day, and take advantage of natural light.
With some simple steps, you will be basking in the glory of your cool and comfortable home. With some trickery and minor adjustments, you can cool your house without racking up the electric bill.