Updated by Kyle Hunt on Mar 10, 2015

The Five Best Ways to Keep Your House Cool

Summer’s coming, and its will get very hot. When it does, you’ll be tempted to crank up the AC and brace yourself for solar impact. This is a very costly approach, however, that can also incur higher monthly bills if other means are not pursued. Here are a few ways you can keep your house cool without solely relying in the AC.

Insulate your Attic

A well-insulated attic prevents heat buildup in the home, decreasing the amount of effort required for the AC unit to cool the house. If an attic ventilating fan is installed, the cooling effects in the house are significantly amplified. This has proven to be one of the most efficient ways to cool down the house.

Install a Canopy Awning

Awnings are particularly effective at blocking out heat. Many homeowners install awnings over the windows, while others prefer canopy awnings that extend over their back porch. A back porch canopy awning not only cools the people sitting directly underneath, but also blocks sunlight from coming into the home, significantly reducing heat near the windows. A canopy or other type of awning is a very effective and long-lasting addition to any home.

Use Fans

Portable fans are an inexpensive way to keep a house cool. Placing them in the windows at night brings in the cold air, which in turn stays in the house during the next day. There is no reason to not keep the ceiling fan on all day, because it doesn’t use up too much electricity. Keeping air circulated throughout the house is the main point here; so long as air is moving, it will be cooler in the house.

Keep Blinds and Drapes Closed During the Day

Simply put, blocking the light in the windows will lower the temperature in the house. Drapes with a more reflective color will be much more effective than, say, black ones for instance.

Turn Off Electronics

One electronic device may produce a small amount of heat, but a lot of them put together can add up. Turning off electronics during the day is a great way to reduce the heat buildup in the home.