Excited for summer but dreading the heat? There are many ways to minimize the impact of summer’s sweltering heat inside your home so that you can enjoy spending time indoors. Here are some home improvement projects that will help keep your home cool all summer long.
Treat or Replace Windows
The type of drapes or blinds on your windows will make a huge difference when it comes to keeping the heat out. For instance, you can choose curtains in a light color to reduce heat transmission. The same applies to thermal blinds that are designed for weatherproofing. They can reduce the amount of heat that enters your home through your windows.
You may also consider replacing your windows, especially if they weren’t meant to block off the sun’s rays. Think about switching to a more energy-efficient option. Windows with a double pane can significantly reduce the amount of heat that enters your home.
Pick Cooler Lighting
The type of lightbulbs you use around the house can make a significant difference in your indoor temperature. That’s why it’s important to choose LED light bulbs or another energy-efficient option. In addition to keeping it cooler indoors, the right lightbulbs will lower your energy bill throughout the year. That means you can stay cool and save money.
Now that energy-efficient lighting has become commonplace, you’ll find many affordable options. You can replace all of the lightbulbs in your home without breaking the bank.
Install Ceiling Fans
One of the top ways to cool off your home during summer is by installing ceiling fans. It’s best to have them throughout your home when possible if they are not already in each room.
Source: ShutterstockEven if you end up using your air conditioner, using ceiling fans simultaneously could reduce your energy consumption. This is because the air conditioner won’t have to work as hard.
Plant Shade Trees
Shade trees aren’t just beneficial when you want to enjoy the outdoors on a beautiful sunny day. They can keep the interior of your home cooler, too.
You’ll need to be strategic about where you plant shade trees, however. Make sure you don’t create any structural problems for your home down the road. Avoid planting trees so close to your home that they end up impacting the foundation. If you aren’t quite sure how to get started, consider working with an arborist to lean on their expertise. There’s also plenty of information online to help you choose the best type of trees for your region and based on your personal preference.
Improve Insulation
A well-insulated home is excellent for both the summer and winter months. Unfortunately, some people wait until the winter to check the insulation in their homes. What they don’t realize is that leaks in the doors, walls, and attic can also cause your home to be a lot hotter in the summer.
When working on insulation for your home improvement project, choose quality materials designed to reduce the amount of heat that enters your home.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
Replacing a manual thermostat with a programmable thermostat helps keep your home cool during the summer months. It also helps lower your energy bill.
Many homeowners waste energy throughout the year by not adjusting the thermostat when it gets too cold or too hot. A programmable thermostat eliminates this problem.
Source: ShutterstockThere are even some technologies that let you control your air conditioner from your smartphone or other devices. Instead of keeping your home cool all day long and wasting money when you’re at work, you can simply program it in advance or turn it on just before heading home.
Add Heat Blocking Film to Windows
Add a heat blocking film to your windows to prevent heat from entering your home. Conveniently, it can also keep heat from exiting your home during the winter months when the temperature drops. The best part about this type of project is that the film is easy to apply and doesn’t take a long time to do. It’s a quick and easy home improvement project that’s affordable, yet makes a tremendous difference.
Upgrade Your Air Conditioner
Not all air conditioners are of the same quality. Some modern units do a much better job of keeping your home nice and cool.
If you have an older A/C, consider upgrading to one that’s Energy Star certified. This can make a difference in how long you have to run the unit to stay cool. Notably, you must maintain your A/C unit regularly.
Source: ShutterstockPreventative maintenance will make a difference in whether or not it works when you need it most. It will also dictate whether it’s functioning at optimal efficiency so that your family remains comfortable throughout the summer. Generally, it’s a good idea to have your A/C checked out twice a year.
Buy an Outdoor Grill
Grilling outdoors is the perfect solution in the summer months for keeping your home nice and cool. Firing up the outdoor grill is fun and practical compared to turning on the oven or stove and accumulating heat inside your home in the process.
You can cook lots of foods on a grill, including vegetables like corn on the cob. If you’re not someone who likes to grill outdoors, consider other options to avoid turning on the stove, such as using a crockpot for cooking meals. The primary goal is to avoid turning on the oven or stove, and an outdoor grill is a great solution.
Home improvement projects can be rewarding, and they can also give you a sense of pride, especially when you’re able to get the job done on your own. Whether you choose the DIY route or get help from a professional, you could keep your home cool this summer and enjoy the season with family and friends.
