Summers are pretty hot in and around Opelika, Alabama, and it takes more than sweet tea to cool off. There are little things you can do that can go a long way so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. There are many ways to cool your home, and here are six of them.
Install Thick Light-Colored Curtains
Covering your windows keeps your home cooler in the summer so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard. Choose thick white curtains to optimize the coolness. Light colors reflect the heat, while dark colors absorb it. White is optimal, but any light color will work. The heavy fabric will keep the light out as well.
Give the Stove and Oven a Break
Cooking will naturally warm your home. If you want to keep your home cool, give your stove and oven the summer off — or at least part of it. Enjoy more salads and other meals that don’t require cooking. If you need to turn on the heat, start up the outdoor grill. There are other options as well, such as taking the family out for dinner. Letting your stove chill will help keep your home cool.
Change Your Air Filter
Little things make a big difference. Check your filter. If it’s dirty, change it. Your air conditioner runs more efficiently with a clean filter. Dirty or clogged filters make your AC unit work much harder than it should. If you have family members with asthma or allergies or have pets in the home, you may need to change your filters more often. It’s easy to spot a dirty filter because you’ll be able to see the crud.
Switch to LED Light Bulbs
If you haven’t switched to LED light bulbs, make the move now. LED bulbs do more than save you energy — they may also help keep the house just a little bit cooler. Incandescent bulbs are considerably warmer than LED bulbs, which are moderately cooler than CFL bulbs. There you have it: LED bulbs are not only energy-saving, they’re also cool!
Grow Some Shade
Trees provide excellent shade, and they can help your house stay cool as well. Plant some trees on the sunny side of your home. It will help block the sun, and that in itself will keep your home cooler. Trees are also beautiful additions to your yard.
If you have an outdoor air conditioning unit, it could use some cover as well. It goes without saying — your AC unit will have to work harder if the temperature is hot. You can help it out by surrounding it with some shrubbery. Just sure there is some space between the unit and your plants so that it does not obstruct the air flow.
Seal the Cracks
Air leaks allow heat to come indoors in the summer and let the cold into your home in the winter. Leaky air works against the cold air in your home in the summertime. Check your doors and windows for cracks. Seal any cracks you find so your AC unit won’t have to work as hard. Additionally, the room won’t compete against the hot air and will feel cooler.
Use Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is a powerful coolant and a multi-function home tool home aid. It has multiple benefits:
- It’s a super energy saver.
- It creates an airtight seal so you don’t have to worry about costly air leaks.
- It works as a moisture barricade.
- It’s environmentally friendly.
- It deters biological growth.
If you have regular insulation, consider upgrading to spray foam insulation. It’s a superior sealant to fiberglass and cellulose insulation. Spray foam insulation lasts longer, reduces dust and allergens, and is good for your home.
Would you like to find out more about our spray foam insulation? Our Sensigreen professionals can show you how it lowers energy cost, helps your house keep in the cool air in the summer, and keeps moisture, allergens, and pests out. Call Sensigreen Heating, Cooling & Insulation at (334) 366-9237 for a free inspection and analysis today.
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