July 08, 2024
How to Keep Your Home Cool in Summer
Don’t let the summertime heat turn your home into an unbearable oven this July. With a few smart tweaks and simple energy-saving renovations, you can keep your home cool and save energy. Beat the heat and save money on your energy bills this summer with the right strategies– here’s how!
Natural Home Cooling Principles
The Basics of Thermal Mass and Natural Ventilation
To understand natural cooling, you need to understand how heat enters and moves through your home. This knowledge is fundamental in implementing effective cooling strategies that can make a significant difference in your comfort and energy consumption.
Thermal mass refers to the ability of materials like brick, stone, or concrete to absorb and store heat. Materials with higher thermal mass can stabilize indoor temperatures by releasing stored heat during cooler periods, thus preventing temperature spikes. Conversely, materials with lower thermal mass heat up and cool down quickly, which can lead to more significant temperature fluctuations.
Designing your home to maximize natural airflow is simply referred to as natural ventilation. This involves strategically placing windows, vents, and other openings to create a cooling breeze that flows through your home. Effective natural ventilation reduces the need for air conditioning by facilitating the movement of cooler air into your home while expelling hot air, thereby enhancing overall comfort and energy efficiency.
Key Renovations to Keep Your Home Cool in Summer
Installing Heat Reducing Window Film
Heat-reducing window film holds the power to block up to 99% of UV rays and can significantly reduce the amount of heat that comes in through windows. This solution is low-cost and can make a big difference in keeping your home cool in the summer. It’s the low-hanging fruit of cooling renovations that we recommend to any homeowner hoping to save on energy costs this summer.
Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Windows and Insulation
The next renovation we recommend is more expensive, but the payoff is well worth the investment. Energy-efficient windows dramatically improve your home’s ability to stay cool by keeping cool air trapped indoors. New insulation works the same way, minimizing heat transfer and maintaining a cool indoor environment.
Some energy-efficient windows feature double or even triple glazing and special coatings that further reflect heat back outside, keeping your rooms cool.
Enhancing Indoor Air Flow
Some energy-efficient windows feature double or even triple glazing and special coatings that further reflect heat back outside, keeping your rooms cool.
Installing Heat Reducing Window Film
Heat-reducing window film holds the power to block up to 99% of UV rays and can significantly reduce the amount of heat that comes in through windows. This solution is low-cost and can make a big difference in keeping your home cool in the summer. It’s the low-hanging fruit of cooling renovations that we recommend to any homeowner hoping to save on energy costs this summer.
Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Windows and Insulation
The next renovation we recommend is more expensive, but the payoff is well worth the investment. Energy-efficient windows dramatically improve your home’s ability to stay cool by keeping cool air trapped indoors. New insulation works the same way, minimizing heat transfer and maintaining a cool indoor environment.
Enhancing Indoor Air Flow
Optimal Placement and Types of Ventilation Systems
The optimal placement of vents, exhaust fans, and attic fans can circulate cool air throughout your home, creating a cool breeze. Consider using a whole-house fan, which draws in cooler outside air during the evening and expels hot air from the day. Intentionally designed ventilation will strengthen the cooling effect.
Using Ceiling Fans Effectively in Design
Believe it or not, ceiling fans can make a room feel several degrees cooler when used properly. They must be set to rotate counterclockwise during the summer to have the desired cooling effect.
Utilizing Exterior Modifications
Strategic Landscaping to Shade and Cool
Consider planting trees and shrubs around your home to create natural shade. This will reduce the amount of heat that reaches your windows and walls while adding value to the landscaping of your property. Deciduous trees are particularly effective as they provide shade during the summer and allow sunlight through during the winter.
Awnings and Shutters for Sun Control
Awnings and shutters can be highly effective at controlling the amount of sunlight that enters your home. Installing retractable awnings allows you to adjust the amount of shade based on the time of day and weather conditions. Shutters, especially those made of reflective materials, can block out the sun’s rays and prevent heat buildup.
Good for You and The Planet
By applying these strategies on how to keep your home cool in summer, you not only create a more comfortable living environment but also contribute to a more sustainable future. Energy-saving renovations, such as installing heat-reducing window film and upgrading insulation, play a crucial role in reducing your home's energy consumption.
Enhancing indoor air flow and utilizing exterior modifications not only helps maintain a cooler home but also reduces reliance on air conditioning, lowering your carbon footprint. These changes, while seemingly small, add up to significant energy savings and a more sustainable way of living. Embrace these methods to keep cool and make a positive impact on both your wallet and the planet.
Ensure your summer is cool and enjoyable—get in touch with us now to start cooling down your home!
Message or call our experts at 920-347-5830 with any questions about hiring professionals to build your dream home!
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