Heatwaves are becoming all too common, and keeping your home cool can be a huge challenge when temperatures spike into the 90s or higher. That heat always seems to find a way inside, especially if your house isn’t set up to block it out. You can crank the AC, but sometimes even that isn’t enough (not to mention the massive bills you’ll rack up). Instead of pushing your HVAC into overdrive, there are plenty of other ways to keep your space comfortable. Some take five minutes or less, others take a bit more effort, but they’re all worth it if it helps you stay cool this summer.
Quick Fixes That Actually Help
Close the Curtains
Keep the heat out by keeping the sun from coming in. Natural light is great, but it also makes your home a whole lot hotter, and fast. If your windows are bare or just have sheer curtains, opt for thicker, light-blocking ones, especially on windows that get the most direct sun. Keeping them closed during the hottest part of the day can block out a ton of heat, with some sources citing up to 65%.
Run Ceiling Fans Counter-Clockwise
Ceiling fans can make a huge difference, but only if they’re spinning in the right direction. In the summer, they should be rotating counter-clockwise to push the cooler air down. There’s usually a tiny switch near the base to reverse them. A lot of people don’t know about this, so it’s easy to miss, but it really matters.
Let the Cool Air In
Crack the windows open early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler outside (as long as the outdoor temperature is lower than inside). Then, once it starts heating back up, shut everything again to trap that cooler air inside. It almost seems too simple to be true, but it actually helps a lot.
When It’s Time for Bigger Upgrades
Add a Window Film
If your windows let in too much heat but you don’t want to replace them, try low-emissivity (Low-E) window film. It’s a thin, reflective layer that sticks onto your glass and helps keep the heat out without affecting with your view. You can usually install it yourself or pay someone to do it, and it’s cheaper than new windows.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are incredibly useful when you’re trying to keep things cool. They learn your schedule, adjust temperature when you're away, and keep things efficient without you having to think about it. You get way more comfort and way less energy waste.
Seal Any Leaks
Weatherstripping around your doors and windows helps keep cold air in and hot air out. Same goes for areas like the attic, garage door, and around vents. Adding insulation or sealing gaps isn’t hard to do, but it can make a big difference in how comfortable your whole house feels. This one can save a ton of money, so consider adding it to your summer home maintenance routine.
Cleanup Tips
If you end up tackling a larger upgrade, you're going to have some stuff to toss. Most of it won’t fit in your regular trash, and recycling only goes so far. A company like Waste Removal USA can set you up with a dumpster rental and handle the disposal, so you're not stuck staring at piles of old material for weeks.
Conclusion
So, next time you’re sweating in your own home, don’t just blast the AC. Try a few of these changes, big or small, and you’ll be able to weather the heat without burning through your budget.
