How To Keep My Home Cool Without Air Conditioning?
Air conditioning provides comfort to your home on hot days, but it also causes a hike in your electricity bill and produces pollution. Unfortunately, it can be frustrating when other people in your home don’t share your commitment toward following the best AC usage practices.
If you want to reduce how much you use your HVAC system in the summer or you don’t have a working air conditioner, you need to find other ways to beat the heat. Try these tips to keep your home cool without using your air conditioner.
7 Tips to Stay Cool Without AC
Many of us rely on air conditioning to stay comfortable when temperatures reach their high in the middle of the day. However, it’s best to learn alternative methods of dealing with the heat. Try these seven tips to stay cool without air conditioning.
1. Use Your Fans
Use the fans you have in your home to move air and to create a breeze effect. Most homes have box fans, ceiling fans, and exhaust fans, and you should make the most of them all.
Instead of putting the fan directly on you, put your box fan in the window to transfer the hot air outside and bring the cool air in. If this move doesn’t suit your needs, try putting a bowl of ice in front of the fan to increase its effectiveness.
Turn ceiling fans on, but adjust them to spin counterclockwise because that keeps the hot air down. Your exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom will help with airflow, too, especially after a hot shower or after cooking.
2. Use Efficient Windows, Shades, and Doors
Air can escape through the tiny cracks around your doors and windows. Replace your current doors and windows with products specifically designed with efficiency in mind. These windows and doors create an airtight seal that will keep your cool air inside on hot days (and keep bugs outside). If that doesn’t fit your budget right now, try weather-stripping for a cost-effective solution. You can top off the windows with thick, efficient curtains to keep the sun from adding heat and damaging leather furniture.
3. Reduce the Amount of Heat Generated During the Day
Most of us don’t realize how much heat we create going about our regular days. However, this heat contributes to the temperature of your home. Try these tips to reduce the amount of water you use during the day:
- Cook outside
- Avoid hot showers
- Change out incandescent bulbs for efficient ones
- Unplug electronics
- Dry clothes outside
If you must perform these activities, try to do them at night when the temperature goes down.
4. Choose Efficient Building Materials
The materials you choose for installations make a big difference in how well your home stays cool. Inexpensive materials may cost less upfront, but they will let the hot air inside. Opt for highly efficient steel roofing and other efficient materials. This decision can lead to more comfortable days down the road.
5. Drink Cold Fluids
When you and your family get hot, you will all sweat. Aside from the unpleasant smell, you also lose water and can become dehydrated. Drink plenty of cold water and other drinks not filled with alcohol or sugar. When you are hydrated, your body has a better ability to regulate your body temperature.
6. Add Insulation to Your Home
Insulation absorbs any hot air that tries to get inside and any cold air that tries to escape. You have options when selecting an insulation material, but fiberglass tends to be the most popular. You will likely place the insulation in your walls, attic, and basement. The higher the R-value, the more effective it will be.
7. Enjoy the Fresh Air
On pleasant days, open up the windows. You will get fresh air into your home, improving the air quality. The fresh air can also improve your mood and make you feel calm. When the sun goes down, you will have even more opportunities to enjoy the fresh air due to the lower temperatures. Just be careful not to accidentally leave the windows open when you leave.
Call for Professional HVAC Services
Ultimately, you will eventually need AC in your home. Call Nacogdoches Sheet Metal, Plumbing & Air Conditioning, LTD. for all of your heating, cooling, and plumbing needs in Nacogdoches, TX. Our services include installation, repair, and maintenance. Whatever you need to feel comfortable in your home, we can get it done! Contact Nacogdoches Sheet Metal, Plumbing & Air Conditioning, LTD. to schedule an appointment with a professional technician.