Survive Summer Heat Without Spending a Fortune

Chicago summer temps can really get up there! Yet you don’t have to spend your savings just to keep your home cool. If you’re looking for ways to stay comfortable without running your AC to the ground, check out some of our best tips below.

10 Full-proof Ways to Keep Your Home Cool (Without Breaking the Bank)

1. Seal leaks

Reduce energy costs by sealing leaks around plumbing, doors, and in ductwork. Roughly 80% of cooling loss stems from poor ductwork or leaks around plumbing pipes.

2. Stay in the shade

While it may be tempting to let the natural light flood in, that’s the quickest way to turn your living space into an oven. Instead, keep curtains closed and blinds down during the hottest parts of the day — especially when you leave the home.

3. Take your meals outdoors

Another quick way to make your home heat up is cooking. The oven is the biggest culprit, even in short chunks of time.

Take your family dinners to the backyard and opt to grill for a tasty change.

4. Be smart with appliances

Large appliances like your washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher can put out a LOT of heat. Plan to run them in the early mornings and on cooler days.

5. De-clutter

A little organization can go a long way and can open your room up to more air flow!

Remove unnecessary furniture, bulky rugs, and just general junk laying around. This will allow air to flow and create the feel of a more open space.

6. Change your bulbs

Incandescent bulbs put out more heat AND use more energy. Look to install LEDs or CFLs which emit less heat.

7. Bring the outside in

Strategically placing shady plants and small trees on the east and west sides of your home can help block sun.

Additionally, search for plants like aloe vera, Areca palm tree, Ferns, and Golden Pothos, as they are all known for cooling off spaces.

8. Try zoning

Once you’ve properly sealed your home, you should consider zoning or blocking off unused parts of your home. It’s important to note that zoning is useless if you haven’t addressed leaks.

9. Energy audit

A professional energy audit can help you identify pain points in your home and find where the cooling loss is occurring. You can schedule yours here!

10. Cross-ventilate

Many homeowners know about cross ventilating, but don’t realize you have to time it right.

When you open your windows at opposite ends of the home, you can create a breeze. The best time to do so in the summer is between 5:00 and 8:00 a.m. and 7:00-10:00 p.m., when the air is typically cooler.

Quick Fixes to Overheated Homes

• Switching to satin or lightweight cotton sheets in lighter colors can prevent ventilation
• Unplug appliances in your room that may emit heat throughout the night
• Place a bowl of ice in front of a regular box fan
• Have cold compresses ready in the freezer and put them on your wrists or under your pillow as you lay down

Have you tried any of these tricks to keep your home cool in the summer? Would you add anything else to the list? We’d love to hear in the comments below!

Remember, if you need an energy audit or a home inspection to address any problem areas or concerns — book your appointment here!