Real Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Home Cool this Summer

There are dozens of ways to keep your home cool during the summer months, but there are some tried and true old-school methods that are more effective than others.

This year is expected to be a hot one, and due to the surge of moves across the country, many homeowners are finding themselves in climates they aren’t familiar with, and maybe without air conditioning for the first time (what a nightmare). 

So before you crank up that A/C and run up your utility bill, here are some solid ways to keep your home cool during the summer.

Bring in the cool night air

Opening up the windows to let in cooler night temperatures is an old method that has demonstrated itself as a consistently effective way to quickly cool down a home.

The details change from region to region, so if you’re new to an area, take some time to check the nightly temperatures and install screens to keep bugs and other critters out.

Take note of the amount of sunlight your home receives and when.

Make it a habit to check where and when sunlight hits your home in the morning, afternoon, and evening. After a night of pulling cool air into the house, close the windows and curtains/blinds on the sunny side of the house once the sun comes up.

The shade side can still bring in residual cool air until noon when you’ll need to close those up as well. Though tedious, this method has shown to extend cooler internal home temperatures further into the day.

Create a cross-breeze and use fans

Every home is a little different, but one of the most effective ways to maintain a cooler temperature is to keep the air moving. Early mornings and late evenings are best, but occasionally breezy/cloudy days are optimal too.

This method works best by letting nature do most of the work, but pairing it with ceiling fans, box fans, and even table-top fans makes a huge difference.

Pro tip: If you have ceiling fans, always set them to spin counterclockwise during the summer, to push cool air down. Then set it to spin clockwise during the winter to move warm air up.

Make sure your home’s insulation is sufficient

Insulation not only keeps your home warm during the colder months, but it also keeps it cool during the warmer months. The goal of proper insulation is to maintain the internal temperature of the home no matter how warm or cold it is outside. This is strongly determined by the region your home is located in.

Find your state’s insulation codes and standards in this handy guide here.

Curtains, cellular shades, shutters, and more

Windows are a heavy source of heat and there are a few different options available. Here are some thoughts on each:

Curtains are a common and attractive option. High-quality blackout curtains with high UV energy ratings are best. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), “studies demonstrate that medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%.”

Plantation shutters are an option that is both attractive and practical, plus they add to the overall value of the home.

Roller and Roman shades are a less expensive option, but are better for blocking out sunlight and offer less insulation against heat.

Blinds and cellular shades and their effectiveness against heat are strongly determined by the size of the window and the quality of the material. Work with your local blind consultant for best results.

Window Films are an option best for homeowners who are seeking to lower heat gains without disrupting the view. These are best installed by a professional and require extra care.

Awnings are most effective for west-facing homes. Studies done by the DOE found that window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows, and 77% on west-facing windows.

Plant greenery around your home

Studies show that planting trees and shrubbery around your home can reduce energy costs as much as up to 50%. This is especially true when there is an established tree canopy, but even recently planted trees and shrubbery can help provide a substantial amount of protection from the heat by absorbing sunlight and providing shade for the home’s foundation.

Upgrade to energy-efficient windows

According to the DOE, about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat. If you’re looking for a sound investment, energy-efficient windows are a huge plus.

Although they tend to come with a heavy price tag, these types of windows not only help maintain your home’s temperature, but they add to its overall value.