{"id":1859,"date":"2022-08-10T10:00:30","date_gmt":"2022-08-10T17:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.discoveryhomes.com\/blog\/?p=1859"},"modified":"2025-02-19T18:11:34","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T01:11:34","slug":"sustainable-ways-to-keep-your-home-cool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.discoveryhomes.com\/blog\/sustainable-ways-to-keep-your-home-cool\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainable Ways to Keep Your Home Cool"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The temperatures may be soaring but that doesn\u2019t mean your\nelectric bill needs to as well. Here are our top tips for keeping your home\ncool this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Block the sun<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keep your blinds and curtains closed during the day, especially if you have an east- or west-facing window. Window coverings block the sun from heating up the room, essentially keeping it cooler. Installing a reflective film or solar screen on your windows will allow you to keep the sun from shining through while still being able to see through your windows. Plus, they\u2019ll provide an additional layer of privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increase ventilation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fans can be an effective tool to beat the heat. Place fans in front of or near windows to draw in the cooler evening air and push out the warmer inside air. If you need an extra cooling boost, place ice packs in front of your fans to blow refreshing air into the room. Have a ceiling fan? Reverse the fan\u2019s direction counterclockwise to create more circulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it gets hot, our first instinct is to open a window to let the air in. However, if the temperature is hotter outside than in your home, then you\u2019re only letting in hot air. Instead, keep your windows closed until the evening hours when the air is cooler. \u00a0When you do open your windows, you can use this \u2018window tuning\u2019<\/a> strategy to cool your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay downstairs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have a two-story home, try staying downstairs as much\nas possible. Because heat rises, the upstairs will be warmer than the rest of\nthe house. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cool down the kitchen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When temperatures are high, avoid adding more heat. Instead of using the stove or oven, try a no-cook meal<\/a> or use energy-efficient appliances like the air fryer, Instant pot, microwave, or cook outside to avoid heating your kitchen. Hot weather also offers the best excuse to skip cooking altogether and order take-out from your favorite restaurant. When it\u2019s time to do the dishes, wait until later in the night to turn on your dishwasher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Change your bulbs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re still using incandescent light bulbs, you\u2019re adding more heat to your home. Save yourself a few degrees by switching to LED lights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strategically use air conditioning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s possible to use your air conditioning and still be eco-friendly. Here are a few tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n