As spring starts turning into summer and the temperatures begin to rise once more, you may be wondering what you can do to combat the hot days ahead. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple tips and tricks that you can utilize which will not only improve the look of your house, but also help lower your house’s internal temperature – and even your AC bill!
Change Your Linens
It’s good to spruce up your linens every now and then, and many people already have a different set for different seasons. However, there are practical uses to switching out your bedsheets, too. While you need to bulk up the fabrics during winter to retain heat, it’s better to whittle them down in summer so they don’t. Try cotton sheets, which will wick up sweat and allow your skin to breathe more easily. Cotton comforters can do the same thing. As for pillows, buckwheat may be a good option, as the spaces in buckwheat hulls allow for your body heat to travel through without being retained. Saying goodbye to hot pillows in summer can make a huge difference in your overall sleep quality!
Use Your Fans
Good Housekeeping also lists many ways that you can keep your house cool in the dog days of summer, including the smart use of fans. Some people underestimate the power of these little devices, while others may be using them incorrectly. In order to reap the most benefits from a fan, they should be positioned in a way that circulates air around a room. This is what causes a cooling effect, and can lower the room’s temperature by up to 8 degrees when utilized properly.
It should also be noted that keeping the ceiling fans running when you’re out of the house doesn’t actually do much for the house’s overall temperature. The benefit of a ceiling fan is largely seen when a person is standing under it, and it doesn’t actually cool a home. Running it while you’re away will only waste power and raise your electric bill.
Keep Your Windows Updated
Windows are a huge culprit when it comes to bad temperatures in a house. Not only do they allow cold air in during the winter months, but they can make a home sweltering in the summer. Consider getting a professional window installation in Houston to help take care of this problem. Replacing your old windows will not only update the look of your house, but will provide better insulation and temperature regulation.
Keep Your House Shut
It might seem counterintuitive to some, but ABC News suggests that you should keep your home sealed up during the hot daylight hours. The breeze that you might get from an open door or cracked window is almost definitely going to be combated and even overwhelmed by the heat that will result from having direct sunlight shining into your house. Instead, it’s suggested to keep the windows and doors shut, and to block windows with curtains or blackout drapes whenever possible.
By applying these tips to your own home, you’ll be amazed by the difference in temperature and look that you can bring about. They’re simple to apply, easy to maintain and work like a charm.
