No, it’s not just you: Summers are getting hotter. Seventeen states sweltered through their 10 hottest Junes on record, and not a single one saw below-average temperatures.
If you’re like us, your solution to escape these blistering heat waves is to lock the doors and sit in front of the cranked-up A/C. Temperatures aren’t expected to let up soon, making now the time to get your home heat wave ready.
These 6 tips can keep your home cooler and electric bills from making you sweat as summer wanes.
1. Get your HVAC system heat-ready
Ideally, this is one to take on before summer starts. But if there’s a lull in temps ahead, call up a local HVAC company to come out and inspect and service your system.
An HVAC pro can keep your system running efficiently by cleaning and servicing crucial components like condenser coils, fans and refrigerant lines. You’ll save money on your power bill while also avoiding an ill-timed A/C breakdown. And the last thing you want during a heat wave is an expensive repair or replacement — with no A/C to boot!
2. Seal gaps and create shade
Even if your HVAC runs in tip-top shape, you could be wasting energy (and money) by not sealing your home from the outside heat.
Weatherstrip gaps around doors and windows to stop hot air from coming in. Hang light-colored blackout blinds or curtains on south- or west-facing windows to block the sun during peak daylight hours. These two tasks alone can keep you cooler by as much as 15 degrees.
For extra barriers against hot weather, consider applying light-filtering or reflective film to your windows — especially older ones. When it’s time to replace your roof, opt for reflective materials. Or, for a cheaper option, paint it a light or cool color to reduce cooling costs by up to 15% or more.
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3. Harness passive cooling techniques
Want to keep your home comfortable without your A/C working overtime? Take advantage of natural air flow throughout your house.
Open windows on opposite ends of your home for cross breezes that draw hot air out and pull cooler air in. Time it for early morning hours and late evening, when temps are lowest, rather than the middle of the day.
Since hot air rises, you can open opposite windows upstairs to amplify this cooling effect. And by installing a powered attic fan (bonus points if it’s solar-powered), you’ll reduce your home’s overall temperature by venting more hot air outside.
While we wouldn’t wish it on anybody, we’ve a few hot tips if your A/C is on the fritz: Place a fan near to or in your window to blow hot air outside instead of pushing it around your room. No fan? Try hanging a wet sheet in front of an open window to cool the warm air entering your home.
4. Set up a family cool zone
Are your central air or A/C units running constantly — but your house still feels like an oven? A
“cool room” can help.
Pick a room to focus all your cooling efforts on. Move one or a few window A/Cs and any fans into the room. Draw the curtains or blinds, and close the door. That’s it! While the rest of your home might not be as comfortable, you’ll have created a nice, chill refuge to escape the heat until the heat wave lifts.
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5. Plant your way to cooler temps
An effective way to cool your home and lower bills is to reduce the summer sun baking your house — the natural way. By matching energy-efficient landscaping to your climate zone, you’ll find the ideal trees, plants and shrubs for your area, helping to cut your household energy use by up to 25%.
Trees are one of nature’s best sun blockers. Start by planting shade trees on the east and west sides of your home to keep the sun and heat from pouring in through your windows. Educate yourself about native plants for longer life and easier maintenance. You just might find it saves you money on winter bills too.
6. Practice smart energy (and tap community resources)
Your A/C shouldn’t have to do all the work. Try setting it to around 78 °F when you’re home and even higher when you’re out. Ceiling or floor fans can be more than enough to keep you comfortable without having to crank it down. This tactic alone reduces strain on your units while also trimming a few dollars off your utility bill.
When the heat grows unbearable, the best strategy might be escaping your house altogether. Local libraries, malls, pools or even shaded community spots offer relief at little to no cost, and don’t hesitate to visit a cooling center in your city or town — especially if your A/C is out or getting work. Start with your state’s department of health or county office to find the nearest one near you.
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Bottom line: Keep your cool (and your cash)
You might still break a sweat, but these tips can help you beat the heat without breaking the bank, making your home a cool and comfortable oasis over the worst of late summer’s heat waves. Some of these strategies take longer to implement, while others you can start today.
But don’t wait — all signs point to hotter summers being here to stay.
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