The California heat is here, and will be only getting hotter as we speak. Keeping your home cool during the winter doesn’t have to entail running up the ac bill all day. Here are a few tips on maintaining a cool and comfortable summer at home:
Keep Windows Closed
The first step in maintaining a cool home is to close all the windows in the house. This is the easiest way to trap out any excess warm air. Start by closing your windows as early as in the morning because temperatures can reach the 80’s by 9 am. Keep this rule in mind, keep warm air out by closing windows, and opening windows to allow cool air to come in. Don’t let your home bake like the oven and keep your home cooler with all the windows shut. In addition to closing your windows, consider installing an awning to shield your windows from direct sunlight.
Invest in Blinds, Curtains, and Good Shutters
Warm air can still travel through properly insulated windows in the smallest nook and crannies. Appropriately fitted blinds, curtains, and shutters can reduce sunlight and overall control the amount of direct sunlight that shines into your home while keep it cool during the summer. The more the sun shines into the home, the hotter the temperatures are. Blinds and shutters let you control how little or much sunlight shines into your home while curtains block out light altogether. This is why blackout curtains were made, they’re designed to prevent light from entering and help insulate your home by blocking out all direct sunlight.
Replace Insulation
Heat may be rising in your home due to old and damaged insulation. Insulation is the key to keeping your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. High energy bills are the result of your air conditioning working overtime to cool your home while unbeknownst to you that warm air is seeping into your living room and bedroom. Proper insulation can make a big difference in your home while continuing to keep it at a normal temperature even when it’s not hot out.
Install an Attic Fan
Just like ceiling fans, attic fans work the same way, by pushing out hot air from the ceiling. In addition to your HVAC unit, attic fans provide much-needed ventilation while drawing outdoor air out while replenishing with cool, fresh air. Attic fans can increase energy efficiency so you don’t have to overuse your cooling system and continue to lower the temperature in your home. Keeping your attic cool can also extend the lifespan of your roof by preventing mold growth. HVAC systems go through normal wear and tear and breakdown when we least expect it so having an attic fan can work as a backup to keep your home cool.
