Experiencing hot weather can be excruciating, which is getting worse due to global warming. Even in typically colder months, the weather can be hot and humid, especially during the day when the sun is out. Unfortunately, many homes lack proper heat protection, ventilation, and insulation.
However, there are certain methods to keep your home cool on hot days. If you’re considering building a cooler home soon, here are some suggestions:
1.Consider A Heat Reflective Roof
Slate, concrete, and white metal roofs reflect heat better than galvanized iron and asphalt. They may be more expensive, but they save you money in the long term by reducing your need to turn up the air conditioner.
If you don’t plan on re-tiling your roof, have it painted brighter. Paints exist for most, if not all, roof materials. Experts recommend having them professionally painted, as it is more difficult than painting your walls.
Moreover, high roofs and cupolas may also allow more heat to escape from your home. Covered porches and awnings can also shield rooms from sunshine. These material and structural considerations work together to reduce the amount of heat your household will experience.
2.Plan Maintenance For Your Equipment
Dirt and negligence are the leading reasons for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system failure. To ensure a system’s efficiency, routine maintenance is critical. Maintenance should include the following:
- Regularly change your air filter. A clean filter prevents dust and grime buildup in the system, which could result in costly maintenance and/or system failure. Check your filter regularly, especially in the winter and summer when use is increased. Replace your filter every three months if it’s unclean.
- Tune up your HVAC. Regular maintenance by a competent contractor like Olathe HVAC company is critical to avoid future issues. Contractors are usually busy in the summer and winter, so it’s better to check the cooling and heating systems in the spring and fall. Plan your check-ups for the start and end of daylight savings time.
3.Have A Source Of Shade
It’s possible to have shade inside and outside a home. First, grow plants. They’re natural air filters that absorb CO2 and provide clean, breathing air. A tree is the ideal form of plant to consider for a cooler indoor and outdoor atmosphere. The taller the tree, the better. Having more than one tree is preferable. It’ll cover more ground and reduce direct sunlight hitting the house. Indoor plants like snake plants help filter the air and chill the area.
Second, install curtains. This is an important part of keeping the house cool. Most country homes use cheap curtains for their windows, but a high-quality curtain can be a sound investment because it helps prevent sunshine and heat. Thermal and blackout curtains are now available to assist in reducing the heat in the environment.
4.Choose The Right Furniture and Fixtures
Choosing the correct furniture and fittings can also keep the residents cool on hot days. Wooden doors absorb heat better than ordinary doors, while double or triple-glazed windows keep heat out. Moreover, the best fabrics for furniture and home accessories are light-colored cotton, linen, or hemp.
In addition to these pieces of furniture, incandescent light bulbs generate a significant amount of heat. So, go for LED lights that use less energy and emit less heat.
Also, skylights are recommended for high ceilings. They let in light while saving you money on electricity expenses.
5.Seal Air Leaks
Cold air infiltration points are hot air channels during the summer months. Worse, hot air is often coupled with heavy humidity, adding to your discomfort. Therefore, find and seal all leaks with external silicone caulk and expand the foam insulation.
Pay particular attention to ductwork, electrical or plumbing conduits, and kitchen and bath vents that flow through ceilings or walls. Windows and doors are also popular leaking points. For instance, a window that rattles is usually leaking. You can seal it with weather stripping.
6.Install Drip Irrigation System
Having a green yard isn’t just about maintaining its pleasant appearance. Plants can help cool your home, block the wind, and clean the air. However, improper ways of watering your yard may negate these benefits. Thus, drip irrigation is preferable. Drip irrigation systems use gravity to distribute water straight to plant roots. Eliminating pumps saves electricity and reduces evaporation waste.
Conclusion
With a few simple modifications and some strategic investments, you can make your house cooler—whether you’re purchasing a new property or enhancing your present home. These suggestions will save you money and provide comfort in the long run.
