By Anita Ginsburg
Most people love summer, but not necessarily being at home when it gets hot and stuffy indoors. Luckily, there are things you can do to make your house cooler and more comfortable on those boiling, muggy days. Here are a few tips that can help:
Catch the Breeze
Depending on where you live, your region might experience light breezes throughout the day. Open your doors and windows to catch these chillier moments to air out your home and help cool it down. While you can't do this on rainy days or when the outdoor temperature remains stubbornly high, take advantage of wind currents to let nature help cool your home even temporarily. Remember, when the cool breeze turns too warm in the daytime or too chilly as night falls, close the windows to keep your home comfortable.
Close the Blinds
When the weather is hot, keep your windows covered with the blinds closed or the drapes drawn. This might seem counterintuitive, but keeping the sunlight out can make your home feel more comfortable. This is especially true during the warmest part of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If part of your home tends to heat up quicker than other areas, avoid that area during peak times and arrange activities in other parts of your house.
Use the Whole-House Fan
If your home is equipped with a built-in whole-house fan, run it during the times when your house is cooler. This will circulate the low-temperature air throughout the rooms and help keep the indoors more comfortable. While some homeowners run a whole-house fan day and night on the hottest days, others only switch it on during the warmest part of each day—or if the house is very warm at night.
Install Air Conditioning
A central air conditioning system can evenly and reliably adjust your indoor air temperature to the level you want each day based on changing weather conditions. Generally, affordable monthly payments can be arranged with a local heating and cooling company for installing a new AC unit. You may also be interested in purchasing an extended warranty or an annual maintenance program to keep your air cooling equipment operating efficiently when needed.
Enjoy cool days and comfortable nights in your home during the hottest summer months. Use low-tech methods if practical to reduce the effects of warm sunshine on your activities inside. However, you can also have an AC system installed to ensure adequate air comfort year-round and the ability to control and cool your home's airflow.
Anita Ginsburg is a freelance writer from Denver, Colo. She studied at Colorado State University and now enjoys writing about health, business and family. A mother of two wonderful children, she loves traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. As summer heats up, consult with a heating and cooling company like Briarwood Heating & Cooling for help cooling your home. You can find her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.
