Heat waves come and go throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, and Maryland is no stranger to hot and humid summer weeks. Even though our home air conditioners may be sufficient for keeping our homes cool even during the hottest days, it is worth knowing a few smart ways to cool a house without AC as well. Keeping cool at home could be easier than you think!
1. Keeping out Natural Sunlight
One of the simplest ways to keep your home as cool and crisp as possible in summer is to block out as much natural sunlight as you can, especially during the height of the day. You could use thermal curtains, blinds, etc. The more sunlight you keep out, the less heat gets in. It is important to use energy-efficient lighting that produces little heat as well.
2. Avoiding Using the Kitchen Range
Anything that produces heat in your house will raise its temperature. Keep your house and yourself cooler by avoiding using your stovetop or oven. Summer is a great time to eat cold cuts, salads, and any other cold foods that you enjoy.
3. Setting Ceiling Fan Rotation Counter-Clockwise
Most ceiling fans will either have a setting on the ceiling fan itself or elsewhere to change its rotation direction. In general, setting the ceiling fan to run counter-clockwise will push air downward, which helps create a slight, cooling breeze in summer. In the winter, it is best to run the ceiling fan clockwise.
4. Using Box Fans Strategically
There are at least two ways you can use box fans to your advantage in a warm house. One is to set two fans in two opposing windows, one to draw in air from the shady side of the house, and one to expel warm air out of the house. The other method is to place a cool, wet rag over a box fan directed into a room, producing cooler air.
5. Running Your Whole House Fan
Your home’s AC should have a fan setting, which you can run at much lower energy than your AC. Beware of using the whole-home fan if your home risks internal humidity issues, as the fan will only push humid air around, which could cause mold growth.
Bonus: Ways to Keep Cool in Your House in Summer
- Spend time on the home’s lower floors
- Wear a cool compress
- Take cold showers
- Stay hydrated
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