There is nothing like living in a home with poor insulation to create an uncomfortable summer. Luckily, you can still keep your home cool until your insulation is upgraded or repaired. It is important to find ways to cool your home without wasting precious energy. All you need to do is keep the following tips in mind.
Check Your HVAC System
Start by calling an HVAC service that can utilize their expertise to inspect your system. A faulty HVAC system can lead to a hot summer. It is actually best to have a professional inspect it as soon as possible, especially if you feel there is an apparent issue with the system. Having your air conditioner professionally repaired can help keep your energy bill affordable since your unit will run more efficiently. This way, your AC will be fully functional before it gets too hot.
Close Your Curtains
Another way to cool down your home is to close your curtains during the day. It keeps the sunlight from flowing in and heating up your home. Use sheer curtains to let in a little sunlight without raising the temperature or upgrade to some Double Roller Blinds to help keep your home cool. Open your curtains after sunset to increase the shade and airflow in your home. You may even want to use a window fan to keep your space cooler at night. On days that are especially cloudy, you can keep your curtains open without worrying about letting too much heat in.
Unplug Your Electronics
You are producing heat by plugging in your electronics. Electronics such as computers and lamps can produce excess heat that will warm your home up. However, sometimes turning off a device is not always enough when it still has an indicator light. The charger or power strip is still able to produce heat in the area. It is better to unplug all electronics you are not using at the moment. This way, you are reducing the heat in your house while saving energy at the same time. What seems like a simple task can make a difference when cooling down your home.
Upgrade Your Light Bulbs
Incandescent light bulbs may not be the sole reason your home is heating up, but these simple appliances can still increase the temperature inside. You may want to switch to LED lights or another energy-efficient light bulb. Energy-efficient bulbs do not produce as much heat and these bulbs are great for lowering your energy bills. If you are using sheer curtains, turn off the lights during the day to keep your home cool.
Keep Gaps Sealed
If you are running an air conditioner during summer, it is going to work twice as hard to cool a space that is not trapping the air inside the room. This means your space is going to be warmer because the cool air is leaking out. You can trap the cool air inside the room by sealing any gaps in the door and window frames. It is also important to keep the doors and windows closed while the air conditioner is running.
It is recommended to upgrade or repair the insulation to create a comfortable home and lower your energy bills. Until then, you want to take the steps to keep your home cool this summer.