5 ways of keeping your home cool without air conditioning

I think we can all agree that feeling the cold breeze coming from the air conditioning unit in a hot summer day can be divine. However, it’s not the only way in which you can keep your house cool. There are other alternatives as well and they can be quite efficient. Also, they allow you to reduce the energy costs and to reduce the impact the air conditioning unit has on the environment. Let’s take a look at some of them.

1. Cover the windows.

Windows tint

Your home would not be so hot if it wasn’t for all the hot air coming through the windows. So if you know the problem all you have to do is fix it. Just cover the south and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day. Use blinds for that. It’s not much but it really helps.

2. Consider using ceiling fans.

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They might just move the air around but they can be quite efficient. Ceiling fans are effective and also low-cost which makes them very popular. They keep the air circulating in the room and thus it makes it feel cooler. It might be just an impression but it’s a convenient alternative.

3. Take advantage of the trees.

Windows tint

The trees can be real life-savers in a hot summer day. The shade they provide can make a big different in the temperature of your home. Of course, if you don’t have any and you’re planting them just now you will have to wait a while before they can actually help you. But there are also alternatives. Plants can be very useful too. For example, if you cover the exterior of your house with ivy the hot air will stay out during the summer and in during the winter.

4. Apply window tint.

Windows tint

Blinds and curtains can be very efficient but a window tint can do more than that. It cuts down on UV rays and this way your carpets and upholstery will no longer have to suffer, not to mention that they can make a big difference in hot summer days. If you use blinds and curtains in addition your home will basically be insulated from all the heat outside.

5. Insulate your home.

And speaking of insulation, we saved the best for last. Maybe you didn’t realize by now but a well-insulated home doesn’t just benefit from its effect during winter but also during summer. An insulated wall will prevent both cold and hot air from entering your home, depending on the time of the year. Of course, insulating the whole house can be expensive but it’s a long-term solution that has more than one positive effect.