No one wants to be stuck in a home that is the same temperature as the air outdoors when the temperature starts to climb. You need to have a way to maintain a comfortable temperature. There are several ways to keep your house cool, even during the year's hottest months. However, knowing how to effectively cool your home can be difficult, particularly if you're a first-time homeowner. Fortunately, plenty of resources can teach you everything you need to know to avoid an unpleasant indoor temperature. If you're not sure what to do or where to start, read on to find out how to keep your house cool and comfortable.
How can you keep your house cool and comfortable?
A ceiling fan is a great way to keep your home cool, though you should know the proper ceiling fan direction for cooling to help cool your house. It should be spinning counter-clockwise in order to push air down. If it's not, you can switch the direction by flipping the switch on the motor housing. Second, you need to check that the blades are correctly balanced. An edge out of balance will cause the fan to wobble and not move enough air. You can test for balance by holding a piece of paper near each blade and seeing if it moves when the fan runs. If one blade moves more than the others, use some balancing tape to correct it. Don't forget to keep your fan clean! Dust and dirt buildup on the blades will reduce their effectiveness at moving air.
Your HVAC system will also be crucial in protecting against uncomfortably high temperatures inside your home. Proper HVAC maintenance is essential if you want your system to remain in good working order. That includes having the unit inspected annually by a technician and changing the filter at least once every 90 days. Some homeowners prefer to change theirs on a monthly basis in order to ensure optimal performance. The average lifespan of an HVAC system is between ten and fifteen years, so you may need to think about a replacement if your system is older than that.
On particularly hot days, you can make simple adjustments to your daily activities to lower the temperature. For example, use appliances like your stove and oven less. Direct sunlight can raise the indoor temperature, too, so don't be afraid to pull the blinds.
What else can you do to maintain your preferred indoor temperature?
A smart thermostat can give you more control over the temperature inside your home, in addition to saving you money on your energy bills. A smart thermostat is a thermostat that can be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world, typically from your smartphone or computer. It can also adjust automatically to your schedule and preferences, ensuring that your home is always set to your preferred temperature while using the lowest amount of energy to do so. Additionally, many intelligent thermostat models can track your energy usage and show you how to reduce your consumption, which can lower your carbon footprint.
Cracks and crevices in your windows can let in outdoor air, raising the indoor temperature when it's hot outside. It's necessary to inspect your windows from time to time to check their condition. Flaws should be addressed immediately. You can often use caulk or weatherstripping to seal the imperfections. If there is severe damage, you may need to invest in professional window repair or replacement.
As you can see, there's a lot that goes into keeping your indoor environment temperate. Ceiling fans can be highly beneficial, but you must ensure the fan blades rotate in the correct direction. Your HVAC system will also help, as long as it's well-maintained. Don't forget to check your windows to make sure cracks aren't letting in warm outdoor air. For extra cooling, you could even upgrade to a smart thermostat. If you're looking for ways to keep your home cool and comfortable this summer, try out some of the tips listed above.
