The summer season is upon us and we all know what that means--constant struggle for your AC unit and the power bills blowing through the roof. What makes this situation even more difficult is that temperatures are swinging into some very wild extremes and the energy prices seem to be on a constant rise.
So, what can we do? Well, as time goes by, putting more money into making your home more comfortable, cool, and sustainable does look like a prudent long-term solution.
Let us take a look then at a couple of home improvement projects you should keep on your radar.
Overhaul the lighting system
When you are struggling to keep your home cool every degree counts. It’s good to know then that your lighting fixtures do contribute to the indoor temperature. Especially the incandescent bulbs which transfer only 5% of the power they consume to light output. All the remaining power turns to heat.
This is a good reason to consider installing the latest-gen CFL or LED alternatives that are not only much cooler but also burn far less energy (some estimates push this number up to 90%). The money you are going to save can be used to fund more demanding projects we are going to cover below.
Make the environment greener
This effort won’t produce immediate results so arm yourself with a healthy dose of patience. But, the outdoor gardens are a joy to spend time in and they are projects you can keep coming back to with your family and have tons of fun whenever you roll up your sleeves.
In any case, a lush outdoor oasis will surround your house with a natural shade, keep the inside of your home cool, and keep the air in your backyard fresh. Gardens also give a strong morale boost, add a lot of value to your property, and prevent soil erosion. So, the real question is why wouldn’t you want to have an outdoor garden?
Switch to green power sources
Renewable energy sources are not important solely for keeping your home cool. They are capable of powering your water heaters, HVAC, and a bunch of other integral home systems. Well, the price of these systems has finally come down to an acceptable consumer level and you can find a lot of resources that make purchase even simpler.
If you spend enough time looking, you will discover the best green loans for sustainable livingg that will bring you one step closer to your own set of solar panels. So, we say the time to commit to this idea is just about right. Just carefully consider the options on the table.
Give your windows some deserved love
Ideally, you should consider replacing your current set altogether and go with the more sustainable and better-insulated double-glazed alternative. But, if this upgrade is, at the time being, out of your range, you can get away even with the simple window treatments. What exactly are we talking about?
The first option you have on the table is the transparent insulation films that reduce heat transfer without compromising visibility. Second are the thermal blinds. The third option comes in the form of good old light-colored drapes. Ideally, try combining two or more of them for better results.
Insulate your home inside out
This project will prove to be just as important when the temperatures start dropping down, so if you are looking for a bang for your back, insulating your home is a way to go. Speaking in cold numbers, you will be shaving about 15% off your energy bills, which is more than generous.
But, if you want to get real results, approach this task with all due diligence and insulate the entirety of your home. Yes, that includes both the roof and the basement. Leaving these vast areas untouched will make the job of returning your investments much harder. So, if you are spending, go big and get the job done.
Give your home a fresh coat of paint
To wrap things up, let’s go with something cheap and simple. But, how do colors affect your home's heat-handling capabilities? It's really simple – light colors tend to reflect the sun's rays back outside while the darker colors trap the heat within the walls. A good reason to paint the walls in something a bit lighter.
So, do that, and don’t limit yourself only to the interior of the house. Also, keep in mind that light colors don’t only reflect the light but also lift up the mood and open up the space. You won’t only be making the house cooler, but also earn a couple of pints in the design department as well.
These were the top six ways to make your home cooler and more comfy not only this summer season but in many years to come. Sure, investing in heating systems may sound like a simpler patchwork, but it's only that – a patchwork.
If you want to make your house truly comfortable and stop wasting money whenever the summer season hits, you first need to lay strong foundations. We hope the suggestions we gave you above will nudge you in the right direction.
By Mike Johnston
