Summers in Detroit don’t get terribly hot, but that doesn’t mean that there won’t be miserable days to come. Around here, we’re mostly prepared for the cool weather because that’s what we endure for a large portion of the year. If you are worried about the upcoming heat, check out these 5 simple ways to keep your house cool this summer.
Room darkening curtains are designed to trap sunlight so it does not enter your home. You can still open your curtains if you want to see outside, but you won’t have to worry about heat leaking in when you have them shut. Room darkening curtains are more expensive than sheers, but they can drastically cut down your air conditioning bills in the summer.
On cool, breezy nights, open your windows to let the air in. If you rely on your A/C alone to cool your home, you may end up with a much higher energy bill than necessary. Make sure to open windows on both ends of the house to create a cross breeze as this will provide the biggest temperature drop in the end.
Every time you open your exterior doors, you let warm air in and cold air out. Try to keep the number of times you open the doors to a minimum. If you have a pet that constantly wants in and out, train him to stay in the house as much as possible.
Fans help circulate cool air throughout your home. Make sure the ceiling fans are pointed in the right direction, and use fans near the windows on days with cool temperatures. The better you can distribute the cool air, the better your home will feel.
Keep as many doors closed as possible for rooms you don’t need air in. For instance, you might close off your closets, laundry room, pantry, and guest bathroom. Unless a room is one of the main living areas in your home, it doesn’t need to be open. You won’t melt away from spending a couple minutes in the heat they contain.
Use the tips above to keep your house cool this summer, and you won’t have to be miserable for long. Some further options make your house super energy efficient like new roofing, energy saving replacement windows and insulation will not only save you BIG money on energy bills but it will also seal up your home’s cool air or warm air depending on the weather outside.