Summer is finally here! With all the great outdoor activities summer brings, also comes the heat – heat that we aren’t accustomed to here in the Pacific Northwest. Few of us have invested in an air conditioning unit, so we try to keep our homes cool with fans and curtains. But did you know that there are so many other ways to keep your house cool during the summer months? The best way to do so is to understand how your home works! The more knowledgeable you are about your home and your household habits, the more efficient you can be. Here are just some of our tips to keep your home a cool oasis in the summer heat:
Open Windows
When it gets hot and stuffy in your home, your first instinct may be to throw open all your windows, but don’t! Be strategic about what windows you open and how much you open them. Create a draft throughout your home by cracking open downstairs windows on the shady side of the home, and the upstairs windows on the sunny side of the home.
Insulate
This is so important for your home’s energy efficiency! Make sure that your attic, walls, and underfloor are all well-insulated, thereby keeping the summer heat out and creating a consistent temperature throughout the house. Correct insulation not only keeps the house cool during the summer, but also traps heat in the winter. Adding or replacing insulation will save you money year-round!
Air Seal
Your insulation is only as good as your air sealing! Check the framework around your doors and windows; if air can move around the framework, heat can seep in. Caulk any window frame leaks and install weather stripping to any around the door frame. Sealing any air drafts is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your home cool in the summer (and warm in the winter)!
Install LED bulbs
LED light bulbs generate less heat (and also last longer and use less electricity) than traditional bulbs. Switching your light bulbs to LED conserves energy and keeps from adding any extra heat in the summer – a smarter choice for your home!
Landscape
Be smart about your landscaping to keep direct sunlight off your home! While it may take a while to grow a large tree, you can easily grow annual vines on strategically-placed trellises during the summer. Any plant or tree that you grow is a beautiful way to shade your home and absorb heat! If you do decide to plant a large tree, click here to find out what location is best for your home.
