Photo Credit:
Ron Lach via www.pexels.com
Summer is great in theory with all of the beach trips, barbecue vibes, frozen drinks you can handle, but if your home is more like a sweat lodge than a comfy, cool, abode, then the summer months can quickly become miserable because no one wants to be hot and sweaty all the time, right? When you’re too hot, even the simple tasks like folding the laundry or plumping up the couch can seem like an insurmountable task.
The good news is, it is totally possible to keep your home cool and comfortable in the summer, and it’s not even hard. Here’s how.
Close It Down During the Day
Most of us naturally want to leave our blinds open when the sun is shining because…well, we love to see it. But, you know what? When the sun is shining and it’s hot outside, the best thing you can do is close your blinds, shutters or curtains. Doing so will keep the heat out, and enable you to keep your home cooler. You can open them back up once late afternoon is out of the way, and you will feel the difference.
Use Your Fans Like a Genius
Ceiling fans aren’t just for gentle breezes and dramatic hair flips. Set them to spin counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air downward. Place box fans in windows during the evening to pull in cooler air. And for those who enjoy mild chaos, try the “bowl of ice in front of the fan” trick. It’s not high-tech, but it’s the DIY air-chiller we all need when the AC is struggling.
Keep Heat-Making Activities to a Minimum
Nothing says “poor life choice” like turning on the oven in July. Try grilling outside, microwaving, or eating cold meals like salads or charcuterie boards that make you feel vaguely European. If you must cook, do it early or late. And whatever you do, do not decide to start baking banana bread at 3 p.m. That’s a one-way ticket to sweaty regret.
Upgrade Your Cooling Game
If your AC is sounding like it’s on its last breath or cooling the house about as well as a stern look, it might be time to call in the professionals. Companies like SouthWest HVAC can assess your system, clean it up, and make sure you’re not spending money to blow lukewarm air through dusty vents. A well-maintained unit runs more efficiently, lasts longer, and keeps you from becoming a grumpy, overheated mess.
Ditch the Heavy Decor
Thick rugs, dark throws, and heavy bedding might be cozy in winter, but right now they’re just trapping heat like it’s their job. Swap them out for lighter fabrics and cooler colors. Cotton and linen are your summer besties. Bonus: your home will look fresh and airy, even if you’re hiding in front of the fridge.
As you can see, keeping your home cool, even in the height of summer’s heat, is pretty simple, and if you make a few smart moves, like those above, you can be cool as a cucumber whenever you’re inside your home. Keep the heat to the beach, right?