Spring has sprung! Which means it won’t be long before that Texas summer rolls in and has us all cranking up the AC.
While we are excited to spend more time outside and enjoy those longer days, we are also dreading that electricity bill come May.
However, we want to remind everyone: you don’t have to be a millionaire to have a cool home this summer.
And in fact, you don’t even have to use your AC to keep comfortable. We’re going to go through a few solid tricks to help keep your home cool in these warmer months without breaking the bank to pay for air conditioning.
Most are simple and won’t take up your time. So read on if you’re ready for some easy ways to combat the heat!
Stay Cool at Home
1.Keep the blinds closed
This may seem like an obvious fix — because it is! Utilize your curtains, blinds, shades, etc. to keep your home from feeling like a greenhouse.
2. Change the bulbs
Normal light bulbs give off a LOT of unnecessary heat. So switch them out for an LED bulb to help the environment, your energy bill, and cut down heat emission inside your home.
3. Paint your roof
Using reflective roof paint can keep the sunlight out of your home and reduce UV ray exposure.
4. Make your bed
Switch out your heavy winter sheets for light, airy linen ones. This will make a huge difference at night and help you sleep better.
5. Turn off your appliances
It’s not necessary to completely unplug each individual appliance. But if you aren’t using it just turn it off! Doing so will cut down the energy that the device is drawing in.
6. Treat yourself
If the heat at night is keeping you awake, buy a gel cooling pad to slip under your pillow. Pop it in the fridge or freezer while you’re out and about during the day, and it’ll be ready to go by bedtime.
7. Check your ceiling fans
Many people don’t realize that the direction of our ceiling fans should be changed seasonally. Set to run counter-clockwise in the summer with a higher speed for a chilly wind-like effect.
8. Block your windows
Hanging tightly woven screens or bamboo shades outside of your windows can block a lot of heat, making your home cooler.
9. Keep your A/C in the shade
If your air conditioner is an inside window unit, make sure it isn’t in direct sunlight. And if you have a central unit outside, try to put it in the shade, this will increase the efficiency of your unit.
10. Clean the air filter
If you are using your AC regularly, make sure you clean out the air filters routinely as dust buildup can lessen the efficiency of the airflow.
Whatever method you choose to cool off this summer let us know! Leave a comment and tell us about your experience or if you have a secret tip we didn’t list!
We’re here if you have any doubts about your home!
