Four Ways To Naturally Cool Down Your Home

When the summer hits, temperatures start to rise. Your first thought may be to crank up the air conditioner, but this can lead to a higher energy bill. When the weather heats up, you can still have a cool home without running to the thermostat. There are many other ways that can help you lower the temperature in your home without the use of electricity. To avoid having your air conditioner overheat your utility bill, here are some alternative ways to cool down your house that will not make you spend more money. 

Change the Direction of Your Fans

Ceiling fans are a great way to make the air seem cooler. In the winter, you want the fan to rotate clockwise as this helps push all the warm air down so it does not stay all on the top of the ceiling. During the summer, you want to rotate the direction of the fan. Most ceiling fans have a switch somewhere on them that can be used to change the direction. When you want the room to cool down during the summer, make sure the fan is rotating counter-clockwise. 

Close the Blinds

Blinds are a great way to decorate the windows in your home and allow the natural sunlight in. When the sun seems to be shining directly into the home, it is likely heating it up as well. Make sure you close the blinds when the sun is beaming directly into the windows. If the sun is on the other side of the house, you can keep the blinds open without worrying about the house heating up. Blinds also make a great way to maintain some privacy even if you have curtains on the windows, so they serve dual purposes. For more information, contact professionals like House Of Drapery.

Seal Off Any Openings

Anytime you have an opening where the cool air can get out and the warm air can get in, your air conditioner is working harder than it has to. Using a caulk gun, you should seal up any openings you find throughout the house that can allow air to escape. If you go by a window or a door and feel a draft, this is a good indication that air is escaping. Prominent areas that release air could be around the window seals and underneath doors. You also want to check around plumbing fixtures that lead to the outdoors.

Plant Some Shrubbery

If you really want to cool off your home, then you may want to consider adding shrubbery around the house. This will help shade areas where the sun can directly get into the home and heat it up. Planting a tree or some bushes will both shade the home and could increase the home's value if done right.