Keeping Your House Cool In The Summer
I know, I know. We’re in the depths of winter right now. But when Summer comes rolling around it means two things – your kids are done with school, and the weather is much warmer. If you combine those two things together, you could be in for some very long days in the summer. When we are overheated we tend to have a little less patience, and this is a bad recipe when mixed with kids running around. To keep tensions a little lower, and to help you stay sane, here are some ways you can keep cool inside your home this Summer.
Be Sure Your AC Unit Works
Your air conditioning units are the best way to stay cool in the Summer. Whether you have units in your windows, or a central air system throughout the house, you will want to be sure they are working properly before the hot weather arrives. Check up on your window units and make sure they are not only working, but that the filters are clear.
For your central air unit, it may be a good idea to bring in an expert heating and air conditioning company to perform some annual maintenance. They can check to make sure everything is running as well as it can, and prevent any major problems from occurring. If you have not had this done in a while, now may be a good time to give them a call.
Open the Windows At Night
At night the temperatures drop, and you can take advantage of this by opening up some windows. Allow the cool breeze to float it by itself, or install a fan inside the window the bring the air in faster. Be sure to close these windows in the morning, as you don’t want the hot air to come in throughout the day. By opening windows, you can save money on your AC costs when you shut it off for the night.
Close The Curtains
Sunlight can make a room much warmer, so you will want to block it out as best as you can. Close the blinds or pull the curtains during the day to prevent the sun from getting in. This will make the room a little darker, but it should help to keep it a little cooler.
Use More Fans
Fans can circulate the air in a room and provide you with a nice breeze. If you just want to cool down a little bit in a certain room, you can plug in a fan anywhere for a little bit of relief. For a more permanent solution, you can install a ceiling fan in some rooms. Be sure you have the fan rotating in the right direction (counter clockwise for the Summer) to ensure you are getting the most out of it.
Turn Off The Lights
Lastly, having the lights on will generate some heat from the bulbs. While it may not make a huge difference, turning off the lights when you are in the room can make it feel a little cooler. If you still need some light, consider installing a dimmer switch so that you can lower them a little bit, while still being able to see.
Make your Summers easier by keeping the house full of kids nice and cool. Not only will you enjoy it more, but your kids will be happier. It doesn’t take much, and with the advice above, you should notice a significant difference in your home this season.
Photo Credit: Pixabay