After a long, cold winter, the much anticipated arrival of warmer weather is always greeted with feelings of joy and bliss. Preparing your home for the warmer temperatures of spring and summer in advance creates a pleasant indoor environment that can be a sanctuary from the hot weather. Fortunately, from house fixtures to ductless mini splits, there are several easy ways to keep your home cool on a budget. Read below to learn more!
Install Awnings and Blinds
One of the easier ways to keep your home cool is by installing awnings and blinds. Awnings are retractable or removable covers attached on the outside of windows, while blinds are window coverings installed on the inside of your home. Awnings can be purchased and installed professionally or by the homeowner, while blinds can be purchased at many different stores and installed very easily.
Awnings and blinds both prevent sunlight from entering your home, which can help lower the indoor temperature. The lack of sunlight can create a pleasant and cool environment anywhere in the house, but it is ideal in bedrooms because many prefer sleeping in cooler rooms. They also help eliminate sunlight glare on televisions and other screens.
Check Your Insulation
Check your home’s insulation before the warmer weather arrives. A properly insulated home does not let any indoor air escape and prevents any outdoor air from entering. Therefore, cool air produced by your HVAC system will not escape, and hot summer air from outdoors will not enter. This airtight seal helps eliminate temperature imbalances in your home, which creates a more comfortable environment.
It also increases the efficiency of your home and HVAC system by decreasing waste, which leads to lower energy costs. Homeowners or professionals can perform energy audits that determine your home’s insulation status.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are another way to make your home feel cooler on a budget. A counter-clockwise-running ceiling fan forces air down, moving it across your body and creating a pleasant cooling effect as heat is pushed away from you. They can exist as a primary or supplemental cooling source, meaning they can stand alone or provide additional cooling with an already existing HVAC system.
If your home does not have ceiling fans already installed, they can be purchased online or in any hardware store and are easily installed by the homeowner or contractor. If your home has ceiling fans already, be sure to clean and dust the blades before using them.
Prepare Your Windows and Doors
Preparing your windows and doors is another one of the more simple and effective ways to keep your home cool on a budget. Opening doors and windows can improve ventilation and replace any hot or “stuffy” indoor air with fresh outdoor air. The constantly moving air can even create a cool breeze indoors. However, consider installing screens to keep out any bugs and insects.
If you want to keep your doors and windows closed, be sure they are properly sealed to prevent any cold indoor air from exiting. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to seal any leaks along the edges of your doors or windows.
LED Light Bulbs
Replacing your home’s light bulbs with LED bulbs can help you keep cool this summer. LED— short for light-emitting diode—light bulbs have recently seen an increase in popularity among homeowners. They can contribute to a cooler indoor temperature by generating and emitting less heat than traditional bulbs.
While they may have a higher cost than traditional bulbs, this cost is offset by two factors. They are highly efficient and use less energy, which leads to savings on electrical costs. LED bulbs also have much longer life cycles than traditional bulbs, so they will not need to be replaced nearly as frequently.
HVAC System Upgrades and Maintenance
Your HVAC system must be prepared for the warmer temperatures, as it is likely the primary method of cooling your home. Most HVAC systems require annual maintenance to ensure proper functioning. Neglecting maintenance results in an inefficient HVAC system, which leads to higher energy costs.
However, maintenance may be required more than once, depending on your system’s level of usage. Some simple HVAC maintenance can be completed by the homeowners, but having your system inspected by a professional technician is highly recommended.
Many homeowners also consider upgrading their HVAC system in preparation for the summer. Installing a ductless mini-split is one excellent way to ensure that your home is properly cooled this summer. Ductless mini-split systems feature an outdoor condenser or compressor connected to one or more indoor air handling units by copper wires and pipes. They are available in single and multi-zone systems, making them viable options in homes of any size.
Ductless mini-splits offer several clear advantages over other HVAC systems such as central ducted systems and window air conditioners. Their installation and maintenance process is simple because they do not require the extensive ductwork of central HVAC systems. They are able to filter and purify the air by removing any harmful airborne contaminants such as dust, dirt, debris, allergens, and more.
They also remove any moisture from the air to prevent mold and mildew growth. This helps improve your home’s indoor air quality, which creates a healthy and safe indoor environment for your family.
Mini-splits are also very efficient. This efficiency not only creates a more comfortable environment but leads to reduced energy costs and a diminished environmental impact. Many mini-splits utilize smart technology to increase their efficiency even more and give homeowners more control over their system.
For example, mini-splits can be programmed into temperature cycles that increase and decrease the temperature, airflow, and other settings in timed intervals. You shouldn’t have to break the bank to cool off in your home this summer. With this guide, you’re ready to turn your home into a cool oasis from the heat!
