As temperatures rise, keeping your home cool becomes more than just a comfort issue—it’s a matter of health and energy savings, too. Many homeowners crank up the air conditioning, only to be met with skyrocketing energy bills. Fortunately, there are smart and cost-effective ways to keep your house cool in the summer without relying solely on your AC.
Here are some practical, easy-to-follow tips to help you stay cool in the summer heat.
Ways to Keep Your House Cool in the Summer
1. Optimize Your Insulation
Most people think of insulation as a winter concern, but it plays a big role in summer comfort, too. Good insulation keeps hot air out and cool air in. Make sure your attic, walls, and crawl spaces are properly insulated. Pay special attention to areas where cold air might escape, like around doors, windows, and vents.
If your insulation is outdated or sparse, upgrading it can dramatically reduce indoor heat and improve energy efficiency.
2. Seal Air Leaks
Small air leaks can sabotage your cooling efforts. When hot air creeps in and cool air escapes, your AC has to work harder. Sealing gaps around doors, windows, and ductwork is a quick and inexpensive way to make a big difference.
Use weather stripping, caulking, or foam insulation to seal these trouble spots. Don’t forget to check your attic hatch and recessed lighting fixtures—these are often overlooked but can leak air just as much as windows and doors.
3. Use Ceiling Fans Wisely
Ceiling fans don’t actually lower the temperature in your home, but they do help circulate air, making it feel cooler. In the summer, make sure your ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise. This pushes air downward and creates a wind-chill effect that can make a room feel several degrees cooler. Turn fans off when you leave a room to save energy—they cool people, not spaces.
4. Close Blinds and Curtains
Direct sunlight can heat up a room fast, especially if you have large windows. One of the simplest ways to keep your house cool in the summer is to close blinds, shades, or curtains during the hottest part of the day.
Blackout curtains or thermal drapes can reduce heat gain by up to 30%, especially in sun-facing rooms. You can also consider installing reflective window films to further reduce heat.
5. Switch to LED Lighting
Old incandescent bulbs generate a surprising amount of heat. Replacing them with energy-efficient LED bulbs not only reduces indoor heat but also cuts down on your electricity bill. This small change can be especially helpful in rooms where lights are used frequently.
6. Limit Heat-Producing Appliances
Ovens, stoves, and even clothes dryers can quickly raise the temperature inside your home. Try to use these appliances early in the morning or after sunset when it’s cooler. Better yet, opt for meals that don’t require much cooking, like salads, or use an outdoor grill.
You can also run your dishwasher and laundry machines at night, and consider air-drying your clothes to reduce both heat and energy use.
7. Maintain Your HVAC System
One of the most effective ways to keep your house cool in the summer is by ensuring your HVAC system is in top shape. Regular AC maintenance keeps your system running efficiently and extends its lifespan.
- Change your air filters every 1-3 months
- Schedule annual tune-ups
- Keep outdoor units free from debris and obstructions
- A well-maintained air conditioning system can cool your home faster while using less energy.
8. Add Shade Outdoors
Landscaping isn’t just for looks—strategically planted trees and shrubs can offer shade and block direct sunlight from entering your home. Installing awnings, pergolas, or exterior window shades can also reduce solar heat gain.
If new landscaping isn’t an option, temporary solutions like shade sails or large umbrellas can provide relief during the hottest months.
9. Use a Smart Thermostat
A programmable or smart thermostat lets you control your home’s temperature more precisely. Set it to raise the temperature when you’re not home and cool down before you return. Some smart thermostats even adapt to your schedule and optimize cooling patterns automatically.
This not only keeps your home more comfortable but can lead to significant savings on your utility bills.
10. Consider an Energy Audit
If you’ve tried these strategies and still struggle with indoor heat, consider scheduling a professional energy audit. An expert can pinpoint areas where your home is losing efficiency and recommend targeted improvements. This investment often pays for itself in energy savings and comfort improvements.
Stay Cool with Big B’s
Knowing the best ways to keep your house cool in the summer is only part of the solution—you need a team you can trust to help implement those changes. Big B’s Plumbing, Electric, Heating & Air provides energy-saving tips, professional AC upgrades, AC maintenance, and more to help you beat the heat without breaking the bank.
Contact Big B’s today to schedule service or to request an installation estimate. Let us help you turn your home into a cool and comfortable retreat all summer long!
