If you have owned a home in Massachusetts or the New England area for any amount of time, you know that things can get pretty hot and humid in the summer months.
This can cause our cooling systems to work overtime to keep the house cool and comfortable. Did you know that there are other things you can do to reduce heat in the house during summer?
Read on for 8 ways to reduce the temperature in your home and cut down on energy costs.
How To Reduce Heat in the House During Summer
Combat Humidity with a Dehumidifier
You’ve probably heard that a “dry heat” is more palatable than a hot, humid environment. If you’ve ever been somewhere like Arizona on a 90-degree day versus Boston, you know that there is a big difference in comfort levels because of the humidity. To combat heat in your home, try investing in a high-quality dehumidifier. While it won’t lower your home’s temperature, it will pull the moisture out of the air, making your spaces drier and more comfortable.
Do More Outdoor Cooking
Your oven and stove emit quite a bit of heat into the home while you are cooking. On especially hot days, consider using your grill or outdoor kitchen to cook meals.
Unplug Appliances You Are Not Using
Everything that you plug in will cause a certain amount of heat to be generated. Consider unplugging unused appliances to eliminate extra heat. It’s a small thing, but it helps.
Check Your Lights/Ceiling Fans
A simple thing like replacing your standard light bulbs with light emitting diodes (LEDs) or energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can help keep your home cooler and reduce your electrical bills. According to energy.gov, you can save $75 per year by switching out the incandescent bulbs in your five most frequently used light fixtures to ENERGY STAR bulbs. These bulbs also emit less heat, which will keep your spaces cooler.
Speaking of light fixtures, have you checked your ceiling fan this summer? Many of them have a directional setting. Set yours to rotate counterclockwise. This will allow the air to be blown downward to cool the area. That’s what you want to go with during the warmer months.
Block the Sun
Many of us enjoy letting the sunlight pour in, especially after a hard winter and gloomy spring. But with that sunlight comes a good amount of heat. To keep your home as cool as possible, use shades or blinds to block out the sun from mid-morning until evening. You can also opt to close the blinds or shades only on the side of the home that is receiving intense sun during a given part of the day if you don’t want to feel like you are living in a bat cave.
Compartmentalize Your Cooling
Are there certain areas of your home where no one resides for most of the day? Why put your A/C unit into overdrive cooling all areas of your home when no one is in them? Instead, consider a room cooling unit or even a heavy-duty fan to keep you cool in the areas where you spend most of your time.
If the members of your household are at work during the day, it is worth investing in a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically turn the air conditioning on just before quitting time so you can walk into a cool, comfortable home without having the A/C running all day.
Check Your Windows
Old, drafty windows may be more noticeable in the winter when the cold air is seeping in, but keep in mind that those windows can also let in a tremendous amount of heat when summer hits. Consider upgrading to more energy efficient windows to keep the temperature outside from creeping in all year long. You will also save money on energy costs.
Staying Cool in Your Outdoor Spaces
If you want to enjoy the outdoors in the warmer months for cooking, relaxing, or entertaining, consider your outdoor spaces. You can stay cooler by adding shade with an awning or pergola over your deck or patio. You can also install fans to your pergola for added comfort.
Patio umbrellas also offer ample shade in a sunny spot. Placing one over an outdoor table or chair can keep it cool while keeping you comfortable.
Home Renovations in New England
Are you interested in upgrading your windows or even creating a beautiful, shady outdoor space on your property? We’d love to help! Contact us today to learn about all your options.
