Ah, summer. Nothing like cookouts, pool parties, and spending a leisurely evening on your deck relaxing with friends. However, if you’re the type who hates ending a memorable evening by walking into a house that feels like an oven, then read on. Here’s how to stay cool inside while you’re busy entertaining your guests outside this Summer.
Turn lights off
If everyone is busy having a great time outside, then there’s really no need to have every light in the house on. Since light bulbs emit heat when lit, the simple and cost-effective way to keep your home cool, conserve energy, and save yourself a bit of money in the process is to simply turn off all but a few smaller lights (e.g., a bathroom light, the light over the stove, etc.). These will provide ample lighting if you or your guests need to go inside to use the restroom or grab something from the fridge.
Shut the door
If children are going to be present, make sure they know not to be continuously running inside and then back outside. The constant exchange of air will affect your home’s inside temperature. If you have screen door that automatically shuts, make sure the latches are in good working condition. Also make sure that children don’t force the door open wider than is necessary to prevent damaging the cylinder, which can cause the door to remain open just a fraction. Even this small discrepancy between the seal of the door and door frame can mean the difference between your home staying cool or beginning to feel like an oven. If most of your entertaining is going to take place in the backyard, it’s fine to keep your front door locked and allow guests access through your home’s back gate.
Use your drapes
Sure, everyone loves to open their blinds/curtains and let some much-needed sunshine into their homes. If everyone is going to be outside, however, closing the blinds or pulling the drapes closed can work wonders when it comes to helping your home stay cool. By investing in a pair of lined drapes for your windows, you can further maintain your home’s refreshing air conditioning, as well as save yourself some money. This is because lined drapes reflect heat, which means your home stays cooler and your air conditioning unit doesn’t have to work as hard.
Check your weatherproofing
Weatherproofing your home is basic maintenance, but it matters even more during the summer. By doing simple things like caulking window seals, checking to make sure there are no undue spaces beneath doors that will allow outside air to slip inside, and placing a certified weatherproofing material over your windows, you can guarantee that your home will remain cool and refreshing even during the hottest summer months.
Watch your dog door
For homes with pets, trying to keep your cool can be a challenge if the door doesn’t shut securely behind Fido every time he goes outside. Check to make sure the dog door is working properly, and if not, make any needed repairs or adjustments, or replace it altogether.
Close the garage door
Whether you’re home or away, keeping your garage door shut will keep a massive amount of heat out of your home’s interior. Since garages are made of concrete, and concrete traps heat, it makes sense to simply keep the doors closed.
If even after you check all the above off your list the place is still too hot, you may need to have your air conditioning unit serviced. That’s where American Home Shield comes in handy with a home warranty policy that covers things like your air conditioning unit. Learn more today.
Post Author: rachelp
