The heat is here. There is no getting around it. But what do you do to stay comfortable? Do you just run the air conditioner and put the electric bill in the freezer when it arrives? Here are some of our favorite tips for keeping cool when the mercury creeps higher.
- Ceiling Fans– If you have them, use them! Air movement makes you feel about 5 degrees cooler than the actual air temperature. This means you can have your thermostat set to 83, but you’ll feel like you are running it at 78!
- Oscillating or Box Fans– Same as ceiling fans, just portable. Put them in the rooms you are in. On cooler nights, open the windows and place fans in front of them to help pull the cooler air in. Here in Sacramento, this is a great way to take advantage of the Delta breezes.
- Whole house Fans– Not only will you have the same cooling effect as traditional fans, the way whole house fans work is they exhaust through the attic. This in turn keeps the attic cooler during the day, which keeps the house from heating up as much. We recommend Triangle brand fans and would be happy to give you an estimate on installation.
- Drapes and Window Blinds– Keep all the drapes shut and blinds closed as much as possible. Yes, your house may feel a little dungeon like, but keeping the sunlight out keeps the house from heating up!
- Shade Trees– Did you know SMUD and the Sacramento Tree Foundation have partnered to give FREE shade trees to SMUD customers?? With a little bit of elbow grease (you have to dig your own holes) they will send a specialist out to recommend type of tree and best placement to help block out the hot summer sun. Call them at 916-924-TREE for more information.
- Attic Insulation– Do you have adequate attic insulation? That hot attic air starts to build on hot summer days, and then will infiltrate down into the living spaces. Most insulation companies will come out for free to give you recommendations and a written estimate on adding or replacing your attic insulation. Call us if you’d like a referral, we are here to help!
Do you have additional ways you keep your house cool in the summer? If so, please share!
For more information check out Perfection Home Systems at hotcold.com