The scorching hot summer days can be unbearable, especially when stuck indoors. The heat drains your energy and motivation, leaving you feeling sluggish and lethargic. Accomplishing tasks feels like an impossible feat, and all you can think about is escaping the heat.
Besides, taking a nap or sleeping through the night becomes a challenge when the temperature is too high. Here’s what to do when struggling to cope with the indoor summer heat.
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Make Sure The AC is In Good Condition
The most critical system in your home during summer is the air conditioner. It cools and circulates the air to make your indoor environment more comfortable. If it’s not working correctly, your home will feel like an oven, no matter how many fans you have running.
Before the summer season starts, have a professional inspect and service your AC unit. You’ll avoid any costly repairs or replacements down the road. When problems crop up, such as strange noises or reduced airflow, don’t hesitate to call Santa Ana AC repair experts.
When you’ve had the unit for more than ten years, its efficiency reduces as more problems develop. If your energy bills have increased, even with lower usage, it might be time for an upgrade.
Newer models use less electricity while providing better cooling; it’s a wise investment in the long run. They also have more features that make your life more comfortable, such as air purifiers and humidifiers.
Keeping The House Cool
One way to keep your home cooler is using ceiling fans. They circulate the air and create a pleasant breeze. If you don’t have ceiling fans, standing fans are also helpful.
Place them strategically around the house to get the best results. Use them with the AC to evenly distribute the cool air and make the space more comfortable.
Another way to keep your home cool is by using window treatments. Curtains and blinds block the sun’s rays and prevent heat from entering the house. Install blackout curtains to make the space more comfortable if you have large windows.
If there’s a breeze, take advantage of it by opening up as many windows as possible. The key is to create airflow and circulate the air to cool down the house.
Monitoring The Temperature
You can’t control the weather, but you can control the temperature inside your home. Use a thermometer to keep track and make adjustments. If it’s too hot, turn on the AC or fans. Close the windows and turn on the heat if it’s too cold.
Monitoring the temperatures enables you to realize activities that increase the indoor temperature. If you notice the house gets warmer when you’re cooking, try to do it during cooler hours or outdoors. The same goes for other heat-generating activities such as using the dryer, showering, or running the dishwasher.
Make Sure Your Home Is Well Insulated
Inadequate insulation is one of the leading causes of high energy bills. If your home is poorly insulated, heat will enter and raise the indoor temperature.
Note that the attic is one area that needs proper insulation to prevent heat from seeping in. Check the insulation and see if it needs replacement. Walls, floors, the basement, and crawl spaces should also be well-insulated. Check for drafts around doors and windows to know when to add more insulation.
Use Reflective Materials On The Roof
An energy-efficient roof has reflective materials that keep the sun’s heat away from the house. It has a higher SRI(Solar Reflective Index) rating, which means a lower heat absorption rate. The roof keeps your home cooler and prevents the AC from working overtime.
If your roof is more than 20 years old, it’s time to upgrade. Choose a material with a high SRI rating to reflect as much heat away from the house as possible.
Plant More Trees
If you don’t have many trees on your property, consider planting some. They provide shade and keep the house cooler in the summer. Deciduous trees are ideal since they provide shade in the summer and let sunlight through winter. They also improve air quality and increase curb appeal.
Note that it’s best to plant trees on the east and west side of the house since that’s where the sun is most intense. Plant trees in large pots and place them around the perimeter of a small yard.
Mulching the soil keeps the roots of plants cool and prevents evaporation. It also reduces weed growth and keeps the soil from eroding. Use organic materials such as bark, leaves, and wood chips or inorganics such as gravel, stone, and plastic. Landscaping fabric is another effective mulch that blocks sunlight and prevents evaporation.
Turn Off Appliances When Not In Use
Appliances give off heat and can make the indoor temperature rise. Turn them off when not in use. It includes the TV, computer, lights, and oven. Note that some use vampire power even when turned off. Unplug them completely.
In the summer, it’s also a good idea to avoid using the oven and dryer as much as possible. Instead, air dry your clothes or use a clothesline.
Not forgetting, cooking outdoors is an excellent way to keep the house cool. If you have a grill, use it for cooking your meals. The exercise will keep the house cooler and make your food taste better.
Because lights give off heat and make the indoor temperature rise, turn them off when not in use. Alternatively, swap them out for energy-efficient bulbs. You’ll also save money in the process.
Swap Heavy Bedding For Lightweight Sheets
In the summer, it’s best to use lightweight sheets made of natural fibers such as cotton or linen. They’re more breathable and will keep you more relaxed at night.
Besides, consider using a fan in your bedroom. It circulates the air and prevents the room from feeling stuffy. If you have a ceiling fan, make sure it’s spinning in the right direction. The blades should be moving counterclockwise to create a cool breeze.
Placing a bottle of freezing water at the foot of your bed will also keep you cool at night. The bottle will release cold air as it melts, lowering the room’s temperature.
Install Window Films
Window films reflect sunlight away from the house and keep the indoor temperature cool. They’re also an inexpensive way to reduce energy costs.
You can buy window films at most home improvement stores. They’re easy to install and can be cut to fit any size window.
Keeping Your AC in Good Condition is Crucial
As you will realize, there are many ways to beat the indoor summer heat. The most critical part is to keep your AC in tip-top shape and make sure your home is as energy-efficient as possible. You’ll maintain a more comfortable home while saving money on energy bills.