With summer coming, temperatures are rising and normally, this means increasing your A/C usage. However, with rising costs, the last thing you want is to pay more money. So how do you cool your home?
In this article, we will look at several cheaper and long-term solutions to keeping your home cool, rather than pumping the A/C.
Adding Blinds or Curtains
Once of the easiest ways cool your home is to add blinds or curtains to any windows. According to the department of energy, curtains can reduce heat by 33%. Curtains are a relatively cheap solution, insulating curtains can be found for as low as fifteen dollars.
For best results, light colors are the best for lowering the heat and keeping you cool. They also keep your homes from becoming too dark.
Window film
Another cheap effective way to cool your home is window film. Window film is a type of cling that can tint or obstruct the panes. The way it works is by deflecting solar rays thus letting less heat into your home. Some film can even help reduce glare as well.
You can find window film cheap either online or at your local hardware store. However, please make sure to check with your HOA’s guidelines first to see if window film is allowed in your community.
Adjust your ceiling fans
This way is completely free if you already have a ceiling fan in your room. It is suggested you adjust your ceiling fan for every season. For the summer, it is recommended that your fan spin counterclockwise. This is so the blades will push the cool air down and properly circulate the air in your space.
Most fans will have a switch on the base that will let you change directions. Others may have a remote that you can change directions with.
Check Insulation
Insulation is not just necessary in the wintertime. It is important to always maintain your insulation year-round. Insulation works as a buffer with heat, in the winter that means it traps the warm air in, in the summer, however, it acts as a barrier blocking the heat from entering your home.
Maintaining your insulation will help with overall energy preservation and home maintenance all year round.
Keeping cool this summer doesn’t need to be expensive or time consuming. Just make sure to check with your HOA CC&R’s before making any permanent changes to your home. For more tips on managing your HOA community, be sure to visit our blog. Or if you are looking for a new HOA management company for your community, contact us today for a free quote.
