Whether your AC unit broke down or you just don’t have the money to invest in one right now, there are still other ways to try and stay cool this summer season. It’s important to know that nothing’s really comparable to having a home air conditioning system that can provide an adequate level of cooling to meet your exact desired temperature. However, by following the tips that we’re going to go over below, you can help to get through this summer without too much discomfort.

Block Out the Sunlight

Most people don’t realize that direct sunlight can drastically heat up any room inside of your home. For this reason, it’s a good idea to go through your entire home throughout different hours of the day to identify where the direct sunlight is coming in. You want to cover these areas up with window blinds or curtains. Ideally, using blackout blinds is the best way to keep the direct sunlight out of your home.

Install Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a great way to help make it feel colder than it actually is. Having a breeze against your skin can greatly help to wick away sweat and to make you feel colder. You should install ceiling fans in the most highly trafficked rooms of your home. Some of the most common include your kitchen, living room, home office, and bedrooms. Ensure that the fan blades are forcing the air in a counterclockwise direction. This pushes the air downward and provides a breeze for your body. If you position the ceiling fan blades to rotate in a clockwise direction, they will actually force the air in an upward direction, and that won’t provide any sort of cooling for your body.

Use Dehumidifiers

Some of the worst summer days are the ones that have high humidity. High humidity levels make it harder for your body to get rid of sweat on your skin. When the sweat is unable to completely be absorbed by the air, it creates a sticky and clammy feel to the body. One of the best ways you can help to combat that sticky and clammy feeling is to use a dehumidifier in your home. A dehumidifier works to remove the humidity from the air. By removing the moisture from the air, it will make it feel much colder than it actually is. These should be installed in very highly trafficked rooms like bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms.

Break Out the Box Fans

As you learned above, having a cold breeze on your skin can help to make it feel a lot colder than it actually is in your environment. Fans are also a great way to help get cross-flow ventilation throughout your house. Consider installing fans in various windows to help pull hot air from your home. In the evening hours, when it gets colder outside, consider turning the fan around and blowing cold air into your home. This will help you sleep better because you’ll be more comfortable.

Be Mindful of When You Open Your Windows

While it may seem like a good idea to have your windows open all day long when you’re trying to keep your home cool in the summertime, that might not always be the best approach. This holds especially true when the humidity level is high outside. As soon as you open your windows, you’re letting in that humid air. Instead, consider only opening your windows in the evening and early morning hours when it’s still cool outside.

Strategize Your Appliance Usage

The summertime is a great time to take advantage of the natural resources around you, like the sun to dry your clothes. Instead of running a dryer and creating heat in your home, consider drying your clothes on a clothesline outside. When it comes to kitchen appliances like the stove, consider using an outside grill or a slow cooker that doesn’t emit as much heat as a typical stove or oven does. If you need to use an appliance that lets off a lot of heat, consider doing so in the evening or early morning hours when it is cooler.

Quality AC Installation

If you’re ready to invest in a home air conditioning system, then it’s time to call Bruce Mechanical Heating & Air Inc. We proudly serve Kennewick residents with AC and heating services all year round.