The summer heat can be unbearable, especially if you don’t have an efficient cooling system in your home. Unfortunately, installing traditional air conditioning systems can significantly increase your energy bills. Luckily, there are several affordable and non-traditional methods to cool your home during the summer. Here are seven alternative ways to beat the heat and keep your home cool:
1. Install a Fan
Ceiling fans are an affordable and efficient option to cool your home. They mechanically circulate cool air, minimizing the need for an air conditioner and consuming less energy. When buying a fan, consider the type of ceiling fan, where to place it, the height of your ceiling, and the number of fan blades to ensure excellent ceiling fan efficiency.
Aside from ceiling fans, you can also use movable fans, place exhaust fans in your bathroom or kitchen, or install attic fans to prevent heat accumulation and keep your house cool.
2. Insulate Your Home
Insulation provides a thermal barrier, blocking exterior heat from entering your home. It delays the movement of warmth between two spaces with different temperatures. Insulation can be done on walls, attics, doors, windows, and ceilings. Use materials with high heat resistance, like spray foam, fiberglass, mineral wool, or foam board, for effective heat blockage.
Properly insulated homes are generally more relaxed than non-insulated ones. Besides wall insulation, you can install double-glazed windows that have an internal air pocket between the two sheets of glass, hindering heat transfer.
3. Go for LED Bulbs
Conventional incandescent bulbs generate a lot of warmth when switched on. Instead, try using light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs that emit less heat. They keep your interiors cooler and save on energy bills as LED bulbs consume less electricity. They also consume 75% less energy and last longer than incandescent lights.
4. Use a Dehumidifier
High humidity can lead to extra warmth in your home during the summer. Use a dehumidifier to decrease the amount of moisture in indoor air, cooling your home, and reducing the possibility of mold growth. Dehumidifiers come in various sizes, so choose the one that works best for your home.
5. Switch Off Your Appliances
Turn off your unused appliances because they can generate unwanted heat in your home. Consider other alternatives to mainstream household appliances, like hanging clothes outside instead of using the dryer, cleaning dishes manually instead of using a dishwasher, and preparing meals outside to lessen heat generation inside your home.
6. Use a Heat Blocking Window Film
Heat-blocking window films are an excellent option to keep your home cooler without relying on air conditioning. Windows allow heat to enter your home, so blocking the heat inlet will help keep the interiors cooler. Window films can also protect you and your furniture from harmful ultraviolet rays, ensuring they maintain their lustrous finish for a long time.
7. Leave the Doors and Windows Open
Leaving your doors and windows open during the day helps with air circulation. If they’re closed, the stagnant indoor air will quickly accumulate heat to unbearable levels. It’s an excellent idea for a closed floor plan home.
Conclusion
You don’t have to rely on expensive air conditioning systems to keep your home cool during the summer. These alternative cooling methods are affordable and can save you money in the long run. Keeping your interiors cool can block heat entry and boost indoor air circulation, providing a comfortable living space for you.
AWP Home Inspections offers services to homebuyers and sellers in West Central and Central Indiana. Contact us to schedule an appointment.