Ways to Keep Your Home Cool in the Summer

The American Southwest is beautiful, but let’s face it: It gets hot here! If you’re looking for ways to cool down your home this summer, here are some helpful tips:

Keep Window Treatments Closed

Window treatments, such as blinds, shades, and blackout curtains, can help block heat from entering your home. However, to do so, they must be closed, particularly in rooms with windows that face north or west.

Adjust Your Thermostat

An HVAC system, of course, is the most direct way to cool a home, but this may come at the expense of energy efficiency. The colder the temperature at which your thermostat is set, the more often your HVAC will run, which can drive up energy usage and monthly costs. Consider setting a slightly warmer temperature—even a one-degree change can reduce the operating costs of your HVAC system by 10%.

Set Ceiling Fans to Counter-Clockwise Rotation

Ceiling fans that are set to rotate counter-clockwise will push air down, helping to cool off the room. Conversely, ceiling fans that rotate clockwise will pull cold air up, making this setting more appropriate for wintertime.

Replace Aging Lightbulbs

If your home still has incandescent lightbulbs, consider replacing them. New lightbulbs are much more energy efficient and don’t produce as much heat when turned on.

Update House Windows & Doors

This last tip offers a permanent solution. And while a window or door replacement can be expensive, the savings generated by improved energy efficiency can add up and pay off your investment over time.

At Dreamstyle Remodeling, we offer energy-efficient windows and doors that can eliminate heat from seeping into your home. The result will be less work for your HVAC system, a cooler and more comfortable home during the hot summer, and potentially lower monthly energy bills. Contact us today to learn more.