Tips to Keep Your Home Cool During Summer

While most of the U.S. looks forward to the warmth, sunshine and lush greenery of the spring and summer months, many Phoenix residents dread it. If you’re a resident of the Valley, you might not be a big fan of Arizona summers, which can be unrelentingly hot. To keep their homes cool, people tend to crank down their AC, resulting in higher electric costs than during the rest of the year.

Luckily, there are several things you can do in and around your home to keep it cool during those scorching summer months without breaking the bank.

Keep Your AC in Top-Notch Condition

Your AC unit is what you rely on most to cool your home. To maintain its efficiency and decrease the risk of mechanical failures, you should take good care of the different elements of your AC throughout the entire year. Make sure you’re regularly changing your air filters, ideally every three months to maximize your AC unit’s efficiency.

Other things worth doing include scheduling annual inspections and providing adequate shade for your unit, as this can potentially increase its performance by up to 10 percent.

Avoid Using Appliances During the Day

Appliances like dishwashers, ovens or driers generate a lot of heat while running. While this can make your home feel warm and cozy during the cool desert winter, it will have the opposite effect in the summer.

If you must run your appliances on hot days, try waiting until the evening or even nighttime. You can also reduce the number of times you run your dishwasher or do laundry. For example, avoid running your dishwasher unless it’s completely full and hold off on washing clothes until you have a full load.

Use Landscaping to Create Shade

Consider planting trees and shrubs around your home. As they grow, they will eventually create shade and reduce the amount of sun entering your home. Consistently shading the exterior of your rooms will make them cooler and more comfortable to occupy during the hottest times of the year.

If you’re thinking about adding trees to your front or backyard, keep in mind the hot desert climate you live in. Not every type of tree you plant will give you the benefits you’re looking for. Shop for desert-adapted shade trees that can withstand and reflect heat.

Shade Your Windows

You will help your AC do its job and protect your home from excess sunlight by shading your east- and west-facing windows. There are many types of window treatments available to help create shade, including blackout curtains, drapes and blinds. Window treatments come in a variety of styles, textures and colors, which not only create shade but also make your home look beautiful.

Install Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a relatively inexpensive and energy-efficient way to keep your home cool without having to lower the temperature on your thermostat. Ceiling fans circulate cool air, creating a subtle breeze that keeps you comfortable throughout the day. Just remember to clean your fans by dusting them every few weeks to ensure clean indoor air quality.

Add Awnings or Shade Sails to Your Home’s Exterior

The benefits of awnings go far beyond reducing your energy bills. With custom awnings blanketing your home’s exterior, you’ll get to experience not only a cooler home but also a cooler deck or patio.

Awnings can also block harmful UV rays from entering your home and enhance your home’s curb appeal.

You can attach awnings or position shade sails so they shade walls of your home – not just windows. Blocking UV rays before they can be absorbed by your home’s exterior can significantly reduce heat gain in your home, making it easier and less expensive for your AC to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Keep Your Home Delightfully Cool with Arizona Awnings

Retractable patio and window awnings are the perfect solution for families residing in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Our custom-designed awnings will shade the interior and exterior of your home, making the Phoenix summer experience much more bearable and a lot less costly.

For more information or to get a free estimate, call (602) 252-3430.