Summer Heat? These Upgrades Will Keep Your Home Cool

Your AC is running full blast, but your home still feels like a sauna. If you’re tired of sky-high energy bills and sticky summer nights, you’re not alone. 

Experiencing uncomfortable summer heat? These upgrades will keep your home cool.

1. Start With Your Windows

Those beautiful windows letting in natural light are also your biggest enemy when it comes to keeping your home cool. 

Here’s what you can do about it: Install cellular shades in your windows. These aren’t your regular blinds. 

They are designed with honeycomb-shaped cells that trap air, creating a barrier between your cool indoor air and the hot outdoors. They work so well that they can cut your cooling costs by up to 30%.

Window films are another game-changer. Think of them as sunglasses for your windows. They block out harmful UV rays and heat while still letting in natural light. 

The best part? You can install them yourself in just a few hours.

2. Seal Air Leaks

Your cool air may be escaping through gaps you didn’t even know existed. Walk around your home with a lit incense stick on a windy day. If the smoke wavers near windows, doors, or electrical outlets, you’ve found a leak.

Weather stripping is your best friend here. It’s cheap, easy to install, and makes a huge difference. Focus on doors and windows first because that’s where most air leaks happen. 

Don’t forget about your electrical outlets on the exterior walls. Small foam gaskets behind outlet covers can stop surprising amounts of air leakage.

3. Upgrade Your Insulation

Poor insulation is like wearing a thin t-shirt in winter – it just doesn’t cut it. Your attic is the most important place to check. If you can see your floor joists, you need more insulation.

Blown-in insulation is a popular choice because it fills every nook and cranny. It’s like adding a thick blanket to your home that keeps the cool air in and the hot air out.

While professional installation is recommended, the comfort improvement is worth every penny.

4. Use Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is more than just a fancy gadget. It learns your schedule and adjusts temperatures automatically. Some models even track which rooms you use most and adjust cooling accordingly.

The real magic happens when you pair it with your phone. Coming home early? Turn on the AC from your phone before you arrive. 

Many models also send alerts about energy usage and maintenance needs, helping you save money while staying comfortable.

5. Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans use way less energy than air conditioning, and they make a room feel up to 4 degrees cooler. 

But here’s what many people get wrong: your fans should spin counterclockwise in summer. This pushes air straight down, creating a cooling breeze.

Consider upgrading to modern DC motor fans. They’re quieter, more efficient, and often come with smart features. You can control them with your phone or link them to your smart thermostat for automatic adjustment.

6. Paint Your Roof White

Dark roofs absorb heat like a sponge. A white or light-colored roof can lower your home’s temperature by up to 50 degrees during peak summer heat. If you’re due for a roof replacement, consider light-colored shingles or tiles.

For flat roofs, white coating is an affordable option. It’s like sunscreen for your house, reflecting sunlight instead of absorbing it. The coating can last several years and is much cheaper than a full roof replacement.

7. Plant Some Shade

Strategic landscaping isn’t just about curb appeal. Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home. In summer, their leaves provide shade. In winter, when they lose their leaves, they let in warming sunlight.

Fast-growing varieties like maple or river birch can start providing decent shade within a few years. While you wait for trees to grow, consider installing pergolas with climbing vines for immediate shade.

8. Proper Ventilation

A whole-house fan, installed in your attic, can cool your entire home in minutes. Turn it on in the evening when outside temperatures drop, and it will pull in cool air through your windows while pushing hot air out through the attic.

This system uses about one-tenth the electricity of air conditioning and can cool your house quickly. Just remember to open some windows when using it – the fan needs somewhere to pull air from.

Cooling Mistakes That Cost You Money

Even with the best upgrades, certain habits can sabotage your cooling efforts and drive up your bills.

Mistake 1: Poor AC Unit Placement

Your AC placement matters more than you think. Units sitting in direct sunlight work harder and cost more to run. 

If your outdoor unit is on the sunny side of your house, consider creating shade with an awning or tall plants. Just keep vegetation at least 2 feet away for proper airflow.

Mistake 2: Morning Temperature Rush

Running your AC at full blast first thing in the morning wastes energy and money. 

Instead, start cooling your home gradually before peak heat hours. Your system will work more efficiently, and you’ll avoid that mid-day energy price spike. 

Set your thermostat to begin cooling about an hour before you typically start your day.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Regular Maintenance

Skipping AC maintenance is like never changing your car’s oil. Dirty filters, clogged condenser coils, and low refrigerant levels force your system to work harder than necessary. 

Schedule professional maintenance once a year and change filters every three months for optimal performance.

Mistake 4: Incorrect Thermostat Location

Your thermostat’s location affects how your entire cooling system functions. Placing it near windows, in direct sunlight, or close to heat-generating appliances gives it false readings. 

This makes your AC run longer and more frequently than needed. Install your thermostat on an interior wall away from heat sources and drafts.

Mistake 5: Open Floor Plan Oversight

If you have an open floor plan, you may be cooling spaces you’re not using. Operating ceiling fans in every room wastes electricity and it doesn’t help if no one’s there to feel the breeze. 

Remember, fans cool people, not rooms. Turn them off in empty spaces and use room dividers or curtains during peak heat to section off unused areas.

Your Cool Home Awaits

These upgrades range from simple afternoon projects to bigger investments, but they all share one thing: they work. 

Start with the easier changes like sealing leaks and installing window films. Then move on to bigger projects as your budget allows. Your comfort level will rise while your energy bills fall.