Residents
Owners
Relaxing at home during summer can sometimes become impossible because of the stifling heat and intolerable humidity. This is true when your A/C unit is already outdated or not functioning effectively. You just feel that you don’t want to stay in the house you’re renting anymore.
If you’re asking how to keep yourself or your living space cool during summertime, we got you covered. Here’s a list of tips you can follow to fight the searing heat while saving money on your energy costs.
Install an Awning
Awnings serve as protection from sunlight. You can install it above your windows to minimize the amount of sunlight entering your home and make it cooler in the summer. Around 60% to 75% reduction of solar heat will result from installing awnings above your windows.
If you don’t have enough space to plant trees that can shield your rental property from the sun’s heat, it’s time to install window awnings.
Use Reflective Window Films
While excessive solar heat can make your rental property warmer, ultraviolet rays can have a negative impact on your health and furniture. Therefore, you should find ways to reduce solar heat and UV rays inside your house.
Installing heat reflective window films can be a solution to this problem. This thin laminated film is installed on glass windows to block off 99% harmful UV rays and 80% solar heat. You can purchase reflective window films online, and they’re super easy to install on your glass windows.
Switch to LED Lights
If you’re still using traditional incandescent bulbs in your rental property, you should replace them with LED lights. The former turns around 90% of electricity into heat, which makes your house feel warmer. LED lighting, on the other hand, gives off less heat which keeps the inside of your home cool, especially in the summertime.
Another reason to switch to LED lights is that it’s energy-efficient. Using LED lights is a perfect way to save money on your electricity bill and contribute for the good of the environment.
Change the Settings of Your Ceiling Fan
Adjusting the setting of your ceiling fan to make its blades rotate counter-clockwise can make a huge difference to your room temperature. When the blades aren’t turning in the right direction, it will only push hot air around the room instead of cooling it down.
Buy a ceiling fan that lets you adjust its settings. In summer, set it in a way to rotate counter-clockwise, while in winter, adjust the blades to turn clockwise. You should also set the fan speed high in warmer seasons to keep the house cooler and more comfortable.
Cool Roof
Another thing that can reflect solar heat and keep your property cool in the summer is a cool roof. This type of roofing comes with reflective paint, shingles, tiles, or a sheet cover. You can install it on almost any type of building, and it's perfect for houses that don’t utilize air conditioners.
Attic Ventilator
One of the spaces in your home that can get too much heat in the summer is your attic. There are times when attics can heat up to 150 degrees, and this heat can spread around other spaces in the house.
The best way to solve this problem is to install an attic fan or ventilator. This device will release hot air inside and suck in cool air from outside. It helps your attic and other rooms in your home cool.
Insulate Your Home
Insulation doesn’t only retain heat inside your rental property, but it also prevents the cool air from going outside. If you want to minimize the heat in the house during the summer season, make sure to insulate the walls and attic.
This solution can also help lower your heating and cooling expenses. Plus, the great thing about insulation is that it’s not expensive. You can even DIY to save some money.
Switch Off Some of Your Appliances
Appliances generate excess heat that spreads throughout your living space. So, it can help to switch off your appliances when not in use and try not to use them as much as possible, especially during summer.
For example, you can hand wash dishes instead of using your dishwashing machine or let your clothes dry outside instead of using your dryer. Make sure to limit your use of appliances to keep a cool temperature in your rental property and reduce your electricity bill.
Takeaway
We all want a relaxing and comfortable summer, and one way to achieve that is to keep the temperature in your home relatively cool. If you want solutions on how to reduce heat or keep your rental property cool during the summer months, take note of the tips and tricks we've discussed in this blog article.
