While central cooling systems are essential for most homes, there are additional ways to help limit heat inside your home during the summer months. Especially for homes in warmer climates, utilizing natural cooling methods can help limit strain on your air conditioner and keep everyone comfortable.
Living without an air conditioner can be uncomfortable for homes in hot climates and humid summer months. Whether you are trying to limit strain on your HVAC, don’t have a central AC system, or just want to limit heat inside an older home, these natural cooling methods can help!
1- Upgrade Ventilation
No matter the age or type of home you have, attic ventilation is crucial to keeping your home at a consistent temperature. Roof vents or an attic fan can help moist air exit your home and limit humidity. On a hot day, attics can reach up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot summer day. When your attic stores heat, it can increase the temperature of the rest of your home, limiting the cooling power of your air conditioner.
You can also use natural ventilation by opening windows and letting the wind blow through the home. Utilize seasonal wind patterns and typical weather patterns during the summer to help know when to open the windows during the evening.
2- Place Trees For Strategic Shading
Large trees can help provide shading during a hot summer day and are one of the top natural cooling methods for homes in warmer states. Blocking some of the sun’s heat from your home will help save you money on cooling. Shading can reduce interior temperatures by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Effective shading with trees and other vegetation should be done with knowledge of native plants in your area. Placing tress that are low maintenance is an effective way to cool your home without costing you in other areas of your life.
3- Reflective Drapes And Shades
Utilizing reflective colors for drapes, shades, and exterior colors is a natural cooling method that is effective all year long. Covering your windows limits the heat that can come into your living room, kitchen, or bedroom. Drapes and shades are the easiest to install, but awnings or solar shades placed outside the home are effective in keeping your home cool.
Additional shading options include:
- Blackout curtains
- Insulated curtains
- Window film
- Retractable awnings
- Metal deck coverings
4- Limit The Use Of Ovens, Dishwashers, And Dryers
Natural cooling methods should include using your appliances strategically during the summer. Limiting the use of your oven, dishwasher, and dryer will reduce radiating heat and humidity throughout the home. A lot of appliances generate heat, but these specific ones generate the most. Using these appliances all day while your air conditioning is also running makes it difficult to keep your home cool in the summer.
Some tips to help keep your home cool could include running your appliances later in the evening or early morning or don’t run them loaded to the max. Limiting the use and strain on these appliances will not only help with natural cooling methods but will also save you money on utility bills.
5- Optimize Your Ceiling Fans
Having quality ceiling fans will help circulate air throughout your home. Most ceiling fans are placed in the living room, bedrooms, or basements because they are used the most. Investing in a high-quality ceiling fan can amplify other natural cooling methods you have implemented.
Choosing the right-sized fan is important to move air around a large room. For rooms that are 15×15, a 52-inch fan is recommended. For rooms that are 30×30, an 84-inch fan is suggested. Fans that have fewer blades are also more efficient than those with more. 3 or 4 blades are best to create cool air and move it throughout the room.
Homeowners should also run ceiling fans counterclockwise. This pushes the cooler air into the rest of the room and forces the hotter air towards the ceiling.
HVAC Services From Our Experts
Connect Building Services provides the highest quality services for homeowners and businesses in Utah. Our experts offer services for air conditioners, furnaces, plumbing, refrigeration, and more. For more than 30 years, we have proudly served our community with repairs and maintenance for optimal performance.
Our professionals offer AC repair, AC installation, AC maintenance, Ductless mini-split, and indoor air quality improvements. If you are experiencing a hot interior temperature, AC problems, short cycling, or higher utility bills, contact the experts at Connect.
