How to Keep Your House Cool Without Turning on the AC
Summer in Utah is known for warm temperatures and is a time when residents look for ways to beat the heat without breaking the bank. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to keep the indoor air in your home comfortable and cool without turning on the AC.
The premier Utah County home builders at McArthur Homes design their properties with windows, doors, ceiling fans, appliances and other features which can be used to your advantage on a hot day.
Switch on the Fans
Ceiling fans are helpful on a hot day because they can be adjusted to rotate counterclockwise (as you look up at the blades). This feature draws cooler air upward from the lower part of the room and then blows it back downward. Meanwhile, box fans and tabletop fans can be used in conjunction with an open window, as long as the window is positioned on a very cool side of the house that does not face the sun or is completely covered in the shade and you point the fan towards the warmer end of the house. Also, you can place a large bowl of ice directly in front of a desk or countertop fan for a refreshing blast of cool air.
Seal the Doorways
The tiny openings between your doors and door jambs can let out the temperature-treated indoor air, even when closed and locked. You can prevent this by placing an adhesive piece of weatherstripping along the entire length of each angle of the door jamb. This way, by merely running your air conditioner for a short time, you can ensure the cool air stays inside instead of escaping to the outside.
Make Your Own Shade
Another eco-friendly way to cool your house down in the summer is to plant deciduous trees alongside the parts of the house which receive the most sunshine. Even on a hot day, the temperature in the shade of a tree is considerably cooler than in direct sunlight. Plus, when the leaves fall away in autumn, the tree can allow the sun to heat your home – saving you money on utility bills. The same principle can be achieved by installing an awning on each south- and west-facing window. You can also provide another form of natural shade by planting climbing vines beneath each window, such as Virginia Creeper, Chocolate Vine or Periwinkle.
Cook Outside or at Night
Mcarthur Homes is among the top Utah home builders known for properties with outdoor spaces which are perfect for summertime grilling. When you cook outside, you can prevent elevated indoor temperatures, which can occur when you turn on the oven and stovetop burners. If you love preparing meals in your kitchen, you can reduce heating up the house by waiting until nighttime to turn on the oven.
Use Curtains on All of Your Windows
Windows that receive direct sunlight can act like magnifying glasses, concentrating the solar rays into beams of heat blasting into your home. You can keep your house cool without turning on the AC by installing dark-colored curtains (which block out the light) and keeping them drawn all day long. Once evening arrives, however, you can let in the cooler air by opening the windows while the sun is down.
Remove Sources of Heat
In addition to your kitchen stove, there are plenty of other appliances, items and features around the home that may contribute to an elevated indoor temperature. These include your washer and dryer, and you can reduce their warming effect by simply waiting until nighttime to do your laundry.
Also, incandescent light bulbs emit considerable heat, which you can correct by replacing them with LED or CFL light bulbs. This can also reduce your electricity bill because the bulbs are energy efficient. Plus, you can eliminate the heat from phone and laptop chargers by unplugging them until after things cool off at night.
If you’re looking for a new home, contact McArthur Homes. We have plenty of homes throughout Utah County that are perfect for keeping you cool in the summer heat. Our homes are designed with your comfort in mind, and we’ll work with you to find the ideal home for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our new homes and how they can help you stay comfortable all season long.
Categorized in: Energy Saving Tips, New Homes in Utah County
This post was written by Paige Giles
