As I write this post, the morning temperatures are starting to climb. We are in the hottest months of the summer where I live. Fortunately, I have a well-insulated home, and my HVAC works like a charm. But things haven’t always been like that. I have lived in houses that got excruciatingly hot during the summer months.
Maybe you experience the same thing. Perhaps you dread summer because your house gets so hot that it is almost unbearable. What’s going on? And more importantly, what can you do about it?
First Things First
No home equipped with central air conditioning should get hot during the summer. High indoor temperatures are a clear indication that the HVAC system is not working properly. On the other hand, a home equipped with individual air conditioners in each room may not adequately cool if the units cannot collectively push out enough cold air.
Comfort Solutions, based in AC services in northern Utah, explains that air conditioners and HVAC systems should be serviced in the spring to make sure they are in good working or. Regular cleaning and filter changes help a lot. It is also important to test and calibrate the thermostat. A damaged or uncalibrated thermostat may lead to a house that does not stay cool no matter what the temperature setting is.
If You Don’t Have Air Conditioning
Homeowners with air conditioning generally don’t complain of their homes being too hot unless there is something wrong with their AC systems. So the rest of this post is dedicated to homeowners without central air or single-room units. Here are four things they can help keep a home as cool as possible in the heat of the summer:
1. Maximize Airflow
Air flowing through a home can help eliminate heat trapped inside the structure. When outdoor air is the coolest – think early mornings and late evenings – open the windows to allow fresh air in. Keep windows closed during the hottest parts of the day.
Strategically placed fans can help draw cooler air in while pushing warm air out. And if you are worried about security, you can invest in specialized locks that prevent intruders from opening windows beyond a certain point.
2. Block External Sources of Heat
Blocking external sources of heat can help a lot during the summer. The big thing here is sunlight. During the day, keep blinds drawn and curtains closed. Keeping the sun out will reduce the amount of heat build-up inside your home. Also consider awnings and external sunshades that will keep direct sunlight off the sides of your house.
3. Seal and Insulate
Check the weatherstripping around windows and doors. If it’s worn, replace it. If you have an attic, make sure it is properly insulated. Insulation keeps cool air in and hot air out. You might also consider window replacement if your budget allows. Double-paned windows tend to be a lot more efficient than their single-pane counterparts.
4. Modify Your Cooking Habits
Ovens and stoves produce heat. During the hottest summer months, modify your cooking habits to minimize their use. Cook on your grill outdoors. Opt for cold meals that don’t require a lot of cooking. If you do have to cook, do it at night or first thing in the morning. You can store your meals in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
Some of our houses get pretty hot during the summer months. If you don’t have air conditioning and cannot afford it, the tips in this post should at least help make you more comfortable until fall’s cooler temperatures arrive.
