Surprising Home Improvements To Stay Cool in Summer
While more and more properties have an air conditioning system, some homes still need to be creative to stay cool in summer. The good news is that you don’t need to install an A/C unit to make your home more enjoyable this summer. Smart home improvements can take several degrees off the perceived temperature inside your home.
Additionally, home improvements can also focus on reducing your energy consumption. As effective as an A/C system is, it can rapidly become an energy vampire. So, if you’ve already gone the right cooling system at home, these tips will ensure you don’t overuse it.
Repurpose a cool storage space
Most properties have an unused garage or basement. Rather than repurposing it as a storage space, you can transform the old garage into an additional room. Depending on your needs, the garage, or the basement, could become your new home office keeping you cool in the middle of the working day. Perhaps, you can move your bedroom into the basement during the heatwave. The coolness of the basement will help you sleep tight and wake up feeling refreshed. Some homeowners choose to use the garage as an extension of their living room, making it into a cozy and cool lounging area for the summer.
Keep the hot air out
There’s no secret. Your home heats up in summer because of two things. Firstly, the hot air infiltrates the property. Secondly, it is exposed to direct sunlight. By being more strategic about your windows, such as keeping the curtains shut during the day, you can reduce your indoor temperature significantly. Ideally, you want to open the blinds and windows only early in the morning and late in the evening, when the outdoor air is cooler. It can also be a good idea to consider replacement windows for older structures that let the air in.
Garden landscaping brings coolness
Your garden can become a source of coolness during the summer. Working with a professional landscaping company, you can create a cooling environment. Indeed, studies show that U.S. households can save up to 35% in energy costs with the right landscaping design. Trees are your best allies against the summer heat. They can keep your walls and roof in the shade. They also evaporate water through their leaves, which has a cooling effect on the air. The phenomenon can reduce the heat by up to 9 degrees.
Bring more fabrics inside the home
Fabric materials can be surprisingly cooling inside your home, depending on the type of fabrics you’re using. Fabrics such as cotton and linen are fully breathable. In a summer house, it means they can let the air circulate, which speeds up cooling down when you ventilate your home. They are also less likely to lead to unpleasant sweating, unlikely other fabrics that keep the heat.
Using a cotton or linen cover for your couch in summer can keep it cool and fresh — unlike synthetic fabrics that can make it uncomfortably sticky and warm.
Are you ready to stay cool this summer without driving your energy costs through the roof? Mastering the delicate art of shade and air circulation can transform your household, keeping it fresh and welcoming in the heat. Even if you use HVAC, these tricks will ensure you can reduce your energy consumption without discomfort.
