Summer is the season for grilling, going out to the swimming pool, and having fun with the kids on summer break. As temperatures are on the rise, your home’s air conditioner is working harder to keep your home cool. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than entering a warm home when outside all day long and looking for relief from the heat. You can turn up your A/C, but don’t be shocked by your next electric bill. We’ll share some tips on how to keep a room cool in summer naturally, so you have a little more control over the thermostat and your electric bill.
Create a Cross Breeze
Create airflow in your house by allowing air to move through it. This can be done in rooms where you have two windows by aiming a fan out of one of them. The other window is open so fresh air can flow through it. If you have rooms that only have one window, use an open door to form the cross breeze.
Use Fewer Appliances
Using your oven, stove, and other appliances are going to make your home hotter. Of course, unless you plan on eating out for every meal, you’re going to be using your kitchen throughout the summer. One alternative is to use your grill. You’ll get to more mileage out of your summer-centric patio as an incentive. And the heat of the grill stays outside your home. Try making more meals like salads and sandwiches, which don’t need extensive appliance use to prepare. If you have an Instant pot or slow cooker, use those instead to make your hot meals. The recipes you can make are versatile and don’t heat up your entire house the way the stove or oven does. Another alternative is to use your kitchen only at certain times of the day. Cook your meals in the evenings when it’s cooler. You might be able to open a window to help move the hot air out. Your home will naturally cool down as the day changes to night and temperatures drop.
Change Light Bulbs
Every source of light will give off heat, so all those lights that you turn on in your home are working against you in the summer. Keep as many lights off as possible or use the dimmer (if they allow that setting). Use CFL or LED bulbs instead of incandescent lights you have around the home. They last longer, save you money, and emit less heat than their counterparts.
Block Outside Light
When you’re outside, it’s always cooler to be under a tree in the shade than out in the direct sunlight. The same goes for inside your home. During the summer mornings, keep your blinds and curtains closed. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can also damage your carpet, furniture, and other items, so you will also help increase their longevity by blocking out the light.
Limit UV Radiation
The sunlight actually consists of different types of light. UVB and UBA are actually harmful to humans and linked to the cause of certain types of skin cancer. These lights give off UV radiation, which increases the amount of heat found in a room. UV window film is a great solution to blocking this UV radiation. Your air conditioner won’t be working overtime to keep your home cool with help from UV window film.
Invest in Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains are also handy in helping to keep a room cool naturally during the summer. They are made with tightly woven or layered fabric material to keep light from penetrating into your home. They also serve the purpose of insulating your home from direct sunlight. You can also purchase a blackout liner, which you can use with your existing curtains. The Department of Energy also conducted studies that prove white-plastic backings with medium-colored draperies provide a 33 percent reduction in heat.
Call Atlantic Sun Control to Cool Your Rooms
Do you want to discuss UV window film or blinds/shades to help keep your room cool naturally in the summer? Atlantic Sun Control has been serving the D.C. metro area since 1991. We’re one of the largest and most reputable window film dealers in the nation. Our prices are competitive, so we can provide an estimate to work with your budget. Since all of our work is insured, you can rest assured that we will provide you with the best, most reliable solution.