Is Your Home Too Hot in the Summer?

Does it seem that your home just always stays hot in the summer? Then you are possibly experience heat build-up in your home. We’ve all heard the saying “hot air rises, cold air falls” which is true in one heat transfer, but in your home heat energy can travel all directions equally.

One effective way to stop heat build-up is to landscape accordingly. Try to plant shade trees near the sides of your home that get the morning and afternoon sun when it is at its hottest. Also, plant low ground covering shrubs and ground-covering plants that will keep the ground cool around your home.

Also, look at the insulation in your home. Is it at the recommended R-value for your region? If not, install more or better-yet, have a qualified contractor install it for you. Also, look at your windows and doors. They may be able to use some caulking and/or weather-stripping to reduce air leakage into the home. If your home was built before double-pane windows and energy efficient doors, you will want to consider replacing them with the best new products you can afford to reduce your heating and cooling costs.

Take advantage of the pretty blinds and drapes that you have put up for decoration. They can play a huge part in keeping your home cooler by closing them during the day when the sun comes through the windows.

Try to keep cooking with your oven to a minimum. Use your outdoor grill and microwave for your cooking during the summer. Also, there are plenty of delicious, healthy raw fruits and vegetables that do not require any cooking and are healthy for you and your family.

Bathing, doing laundry and other activities can also pump heat into your home. Try to do these activities late at night when it’s cooler outside and your cooling system doesn’t have to work double hard to keep up during the day when it’s hot outside. Avoid using hot water for your laundry and use spot ventilation, such as a bathroom fan, to reduce the humidity in your home.

Be sure to give your heating and cooling system a good tune-up and possible cleaning during the summer. It’s easier to be a little warm in the summer for a few hours while this is being done rather than being without heat in the winter while it is being repaired.