When the temperature and humidity levels in your home begin to climb, it can seem impossible to maintain a comfortable temperature. We are no strangers to hot, humid summers in the Waterloo Region, and 2021 is proving to be particularly scorching at times.
Even with a good air-conditioning system, many homes can't handle the intensity of the summer sun and/or humidity if they aren't properly prepped and maintained.
When the temperature rises, you'll need to be prepared with a few cooling techniques. Here are some simple suggestions for keeping a house cool in excessive heat, ranging from quick and inexpensive fixes to more complicated tasks.
Ensure Your Thermostat is Placed Correctly
If the thermostat that controls your HVAC systems is not located in the best place, false readings may lead some areas of your home to cool unevenly resulting in uncomfortable hot spots and the A/C itself working too hard, something that is bad for both your utility bill budget and the long term health and longevity of the system itself.
For example, drafty windows chill the surrounding areas around them, so if your thermostat is close enough, it will take readings that indicate the room is much cooler than it actually is.
Because doors are likely to be opened and closed frequently, a thermostat near a door would be exposed to more outside air than the rest of the home. This causes your air conditioner or heater to cycle on and off without ever reaching a comfortable temperature, depending on the season.
Your thermostat should be installed on an inside wall, away from direct sunlight, air vents, your kitchen, hallways, windows and doors. It should ideally be situated in the center of your home. You should also think about which rooms you and your family utilize the most. That way, you can be sure that the rooms where you and your loved ones spend the most time are the most comfortable.
Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier does not immediately lower temperature; instead, it filters water out of the air to create a drier, cooler, and more comfortable environment.
Replace the Bulbs in Your Light Fixtures
Replacing ordinary incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient CFL or LED bulbs reduces your energy expenditure while also keeping your home cooler. This is because these bulbs emit far less heat while producing the same amount of light as regular bulbs. A 100-watt ordinary incandescent light bulb may raise the temperature of a room by 11 degrees in an hour!
Unplug Your Appliances
Every outlet emits a tiny amount of heat when an appliance is plugged into it. This may seem insignificant, but when it comes to keeping your home cool, every degree counts.
Cook Outdoors More
Cooking heat will raise the temperature in the house. If you're having trouble keeping your house cool in the heat, try cooking outside or ordering takeout to support your favorite local businesses during these strange times.
Change the Direction of Your Ceiling Fan
During the summer, a ceiling fan can help keep your home cooler. To cool the room, ensure your ceiling fan is blowing downwards. To do that, make sure your fan's orientation switch is set to run counter-clockwise throughout the hot months. Every ceiling fan has one by the way, usually right above the pull string.
Install an Awning or Shade on Your Home's Exterior
If there is not much landscaping to give natural shade, this is especially crucial over east, south, and west-facing windows. An awning will shield your windows from the sun's harsh rays. As a result, you'll get natural light while also being protected from the heat.
Plant Some Shade Cover
Planting plants and bushes outside your windows to absorb heat and give shade is a good idea. Because these take a long time to grow, you should buy mature trees if at all possible.
Upgrade Your Home's Insulation
Higher R-value doors, windows, and wall insulation will help keep heat out and cold air in during the summer, and vice versa during the winter.
Keeping your home cool in excessive heat is a multi-step process, but it's one that's well worth it. You'll keep your home systems safe from harm while staying comfy.
Lighten Up Your Shingles
You can use the "cool roof" method to keep your roof cool. Choose a light-colored shingle that reflects light when having a new roof installed. This can help you save up to 15% on your cooling expenditures while also reducing roof damage.
Painting your shingles a light color is one of the most cost-effective ways to do this without having to replace your roof. You can do it yourself, but make sure your shingle manufacturer's warranty isn't voided by painting.
Getting ready to buy a Waterloo Region home, or sell the one you have? Let Team Pinto use our huge experience and expertise to help you. Contact the award-winning Team Pinto here, or book a free Zoom consultation to discuss your unique Waterloo Region real estate needs here.