6 Simple Tips to Beat the Heat This Summer
When summertime rolls around, thoughts of swimming, picnics, and barbecues come to mind. But there’s one thing we just can’t seem to welcome with open arms: the ever-rising summer heat.
Let’s face it: it’s hot out and will only get hotter as the months roll on. But there’s no need to feel helpless against the sun’s relentless rays! Below are six tips and tricks that you can use to keep your home cool this summer.
Related Read: 4 Quick AC Tips to Save Money When You’re Away on Vacay
1. Shut Out the Heat
Did you know that 30% of heat in your home might be coming through your windows? This one may seem like a no-brainer, but a great way to help keep your home cool is to shut those blinds and curtains while the sun is out. Here’s some good news—you can save up to 7% on your electric bill just by utilizing blinds and curtains during the day! If you think you have a bigger issue, it may be time to get your windows checked out.
2. Get Grillin’
Most homeowners know that using your stove or oven will make your house hot. If you would rather have a hot meal over a cool salad for dinner, try taking it out to the grill to cook meals. This is a great way to keep your home cool, while taking advantage of the great outdoors and creating delicious meals this summer.
3. Change Up Your Sheets Routine
Everyone loves good silk or satin bed sheets, but not so much for those toasty summer nights. Swapping out those fancy slick sheets for a good old-fashioned cotton sheet set can definitely change the way you sleep this summer. Cotton is a naturally breathable material, so hitting the sack with cotton sheets is sure to help keep it breezy as you snooze.
4. Unplug & Unwind at Night
We all love our electronics, but when they’re not being used, they can emit heat that definitely makes a difference during those sweltering days. Unplugging electronics that aren’t currently in use will also save you a few bucks on your utility bill, and who doesn’t like to stash some cash for more summer fun?
5. Plant a Tree!
If you are a homeowner, you can make a long-term investment of strategically planting a few trees around your home to keep out the heat during the summer months. The shade created by the trees keeps rays away from windows while managing to cool your entire home a few degrees—kind of like natural insulation!
6. Check Your Filters
Air conditioning units come with a filter component that will eventually need to be changed routinely due to clogging by dirt and other debris. If left untouched, a dirty air filter can block the cool air the unit is attempting to put out. A dirty filter will also cause the AC unit to work harder, thus increasing that darn electric bill.
Related Read: Keep Getting Sick? Improve Your Home’s Air Quality