As we head into the thick of summer, the days are getting hotter and hotter. If you’re lucky enough to have air conditioning, running it can be expensive, and you may want to keep it off from time-to-time. No air conditioning? No problem! We’ve put together some tips and tricks for keeping your home (and your family) cool all summer long.
- Keep all blinds and curtains closed
On bright sunny days, although it may be nice to let the natural light in, it can actually heat up your home pretty quickly! In fact, according to Family Handyman, up to 30 percent of unwanted heat can come from your windows! Utilizing shades, curtains, and blinds can significantly lower the temperature of your home.
- Plant shade trees
This one has a few benefits. Planting shade trees will not only enhance your curb appeal, but they also help to keep the sun off of your home. Be sure to notice where the sun typically hits your house at certain times of day, and plant the trees in those areas if possible. If you don’t have a green thumb—don’t worry! Check out some of the best shade trees to plant here. - Save the chores for nighttime
If you can, try to wait to do your chores and manual labor after the sun goes down. While this obviously won’t affect the temperature of your home, it will help keep YOU cool! Running around or cleaning during the day when the sun is at its peak will overheat you quickly, so waiting until its dark and a bit cooler will really help. Plus—it’s a good excuse to spend your sunny days outside and not doing chores! - Stop cooking and start grilling
If your home is already really hot, turning an oven or stovetop on to 400 degrees definitely isn’t going to help. If you have a grill, summertime is a perfect time to use it. Not only will it keep the heat outside, but it’s a great way to get outdoors and spend time with friends and family.
