There are many ways to help keep your home cool during warmer months. Some are simple yet effective, while others require more effort and expense. However, even those that require a bit of an investment of both time and money are worth it. For example, if you add awnings to your home, you’ll keep out direct sunlight and keep the temperature down inside your home (not to mention preventing your paint, carpet, furniture, and accessories from fading). This will save you money in the long term.
Another addition to your home that will help keep things cool and keep energy costs down is installing ceiling fans. They circulate the air better throughout the space than box fans do, and most of today’s styles are far more attractive than ceiling fans of the past. Many come with lighting units or are designed to allow the simple addition of a lighting unit.
Other ways to keep your home cool include keeping doors and windows closed during the coolest part of the day as well as finding other ways to limit humidity, because humidity makes it feel even hotter than it really is. You may need a dehumidifier, or it may be as simple as trying to use less water during the most heated hours of the day. For example, try running the washing machine or dishwasher after the sun goes down.
Another good idea is to make sure your air conditioner can keep up with the demand for cooled air. When you have the system maintained, ask the serviceman if it is sufficient for the square footage of your home. If not, you may want to invest in a larger unit or perhaps add a window unit or two to help cool large rooms, so you’re central unit doesn’t have to work as hard.