As the sun’s rays beat down during summer’s dog days, many homes can feel overly stuffy and warm. However, simply cranking the air conditioner is not always the most effective or energy-efficient solution.
There are also various simple tactics one may deploy to help diminish indoor temperatures naturally.
From closing curtains and blinds to investing in a ceiling fans, several inexpensive strategies exist to keep a residence cooler with minimal effort. Here are seven top suggestions worth trying before scheduling an AC technician visit.
1. Limit Direct Sunlight Exposure
Among a home’s prime offenders for overheating are large windows letting sunshine pour directly inside unabated. Draw light-filtering curtains or blinds on facade windows during the hottest parts of the day to cut solar gain affecting interior ambiance.
Close eastern and western-facing windows first thing in the morning or evening as the sun rises and sets to regulate thermal amounts entering. Opt for light-colored window treatments that also reflect rays outdoors rather than absorbing additional interior warmth.
2. Establish Cross Ventilation
To dilute built-up hot air inside, cross breeze airflow proves invaluable without electrical use. Open select windows on opposing sides of the house at different levels like the first floor in front and upstairs rear windows.
The pressure differential pulls through whatever passage is available instead of stagnating. Supplement cross drafts created using standalone or ceiling fans set on low-speed circulating convective air movement across inhabitants prudently and economically.
3. Deploy Window Film Or Window Quilts
Special films applied to inside glass surfaces patently diminish solar heat transmission indoors. Window quilts resemble giant insulating blankets tacked up temporarily across panes also blocking a sizable percentage of penetrating warmth.
Both options allow continued scenic views and illumination while tightening the building envelope’s protective properties selectively during peak temperature durations.
Consider window films a starter investment versus more substantive updates later if deemed too efficacious in practice.
4. Plant Smart Landscaping
Deciduous trees bordering the sunny south and west elevations offer welcome shade throughout summer months as leaves fully develop keeping those façades a handful of degrees cooler.
However, avoid blocking low-angle winter sunlight triggering ice dam roofline risks. Strategic shrubs or evergreen plantings aligning towards prevailing breezy sides similarly assist in accomplishing cross-ventilation benefits.
Plus, judicious watering prevents extra radiated heat from rising from barren dry soil. Overall landscaping must be site-appropriate considering the required maintenance involved.
5. Clean Or Replace HVAC Filters Regularly
A clogged filter inhibits consistent airflow reducing an HVAC system’s efficiency. Replace filters as directed in owner’s manuals usually monthly or minimum once every 90 days.
Vacuum or rinse reusable filters to wipe off accumulated dust mites and pollen. Also, hire a professional to inspect and sanitize vents and ductwork yearly to optimize whole-house air distribution and temperature regulation.
Dirty components force the unit to work harder driving utility bills upward unnecessarily besides accelerated equipment wear risks over longer stints.
6. Consider Whole Home Fan Installation
A whole home fan exchanges all preexisting indoor air once per hour instead of solely circulating it repeatedly. Installed in the ceiling of the highest livable floor, the large attic fan is operated using a simple wall switch.
Run it during the pre-sleep cooler evening durations providing adequate air changes then turn it off before sunrise when the attic may trap additional heat.
Whole home fans represent a worthwhile innovation for homes lacking central air or as a supplement to existing AC unit installers during less intense heat spells.
7. Replace Old Windows With Double-Paned Types
Older single-pane windows act akin to sieves allowing indoor and outdoor air temperatures to equalize rapidly through the glass and frame. Switching to double or even triple-pane windows notably decreases heat transfer abilities some studies showing up to 25%.
Energy Star-certified windows further slash cooling expenditures in contrast to antiquated predecessors no longer sealing openings properly.
The undertaking outlay may pay itself back quickly from saving on AC runtime over the replacement window’s lifetime expectancy.
