Whether you’re expecting a heat wave in the upcoming months or not, keeping your home cool during summer can be expensive, especially if you only rely on your air conditioner. Thankfully, there are a few ways to keep indoor temperatures and utility costs from rising. Although some experts recommend replacing the windows, doors, and roofing insulation, these fixes can be costly. Instead, use inexpensive methods, such as installing awnings and changing the bedsheets, to lower your bills. 

How to Cool Down Your House

1. Cover the Windows

Blocking out direct sunlight will reduce indoor heat. Shades, blinds, and curtains are easy and quick to install. For maximum impact, use blackout shades. These are more opaque and prevent sunlight from leaking through the fabric.

2. Install Awnings

Awnings will minimize the heat that reaches the windows, and they work well in locations where installing a shade or curtains won’t work, such as by the exterior doors. Choosing the right one depends on your needs; smaller models are ideal for individual features, such as single doors, while bigger ones can provide more shade. As for the material, fabric awnings offer the most design versatility, but aluminum is more durable and easier to clean. If you want the option for more sunlight later in the year, install a freestanding or retractable awning. 

3. Replace the Weatherproofing Strip

Instead of getting a new door, replace the weatherproofing strip at the bottom. As small as it may be, if it’s cracked, it brings in the outdoor heat and allows the cool, indoor air to escape. It’s inexpensive, and you can install it within 30 minutes. Before buying one, measure your door; if the new strip is too long, you can cut the excess with a utility knife, but if it’s too thin, it won’t work at all. Have someone help you remove your door and then follow the instructions on the packaging. 

4. Change the Lightbulbs

If you aren’t already using them, switch to LED bulbs. They’re cooler, more energy-efficient, and last longer than other bulbs. Standard LEDs can last for about 25,000 hours, and the newest types can go for 50,000 hours; this is much longer than incandescent options or even CFLs. The latter has a life span of about 8,000 hours while incandescents can only go for about 1,200 hours. 

5. Change Your Sheets

Change the bedsheets seasonally. During summer, opt for linen or cotton; they’re more breathable and better at wicking sweat away from your body at night. If your skin is sensitive, look for cotton sheets with a sateen finish; this finish has a silky texture that’s much smoother and softer than other types.

If you’re looking to install a retractable awning or fabric shades, contact Patio Enclosures. Serving Monroe County, NY, they have nearly 40 years of experience. They offer a wide range of colors, patterns, and materials, so they’ll be able to match the style you want. Visit them online or call (585) 385-9999 to learn more about their products.