Beat the Heat: Effective Ways to Shield Your Home From the Summer Heat

As the summer season arrives in Tennessee, the blazing heat and sunny weather naturally fall in place. While many welcome the upturn in weather, none favor the increase of indoor temperatures or the energy bills to reduce them. Explore these tips for cooling your home efficiently as increasing Tennessee temperatures approach.

A good first step is to invest in blinds or black out curtains. These home improvements can prevent heat from entering by blocking it at the source. Once the sun sets or the evening brings in cooler temperatures, blinds and curtains can be opened easily for a beautiful view outside.

Covering your windows is not the only way to shield your home from the summer heat seeping through! Sealing any open gaps in windows and doors will prevent cool air from escaping through small exits. This is also an excellent way to reinforce or protect these structures from outside elements like rainwater, which could lead to moisture damage. 

Utilizing fans in rooms of your home can help remove added heat. In bathrooms and kitchens, taking hot showers or using kitchen appliances like ovens will add extra heat to rooms. Using the fans above a stove or in a bathroom can help remove both heat and moisture, cooling the rooms quickly and preventing moisture damage from condensation. Ceiling fans should also be turned counterclockwise in the summer. This direction pushes cooler air down and allows heat to rise. Most ceiling fans have a switch that can change the direction of the fan blades. 

Image provided by Kissimmee Utility Authority

The hidden parts of your home can also aid with reducing temperatures. Re-insulating or ensuring your insulation is correctly placed will help reduce temperatures. Much like keeping heat inside during the fall and winter, insulation is a great aid in keeping cool air in your home as well. 

Another helpful tip is to maintain your units. HVAC or A/C units can collect dust and debris whether they’re running or not. Regularly cleaning this debris from units can decrease strain and extend their lifespan. Attempting to shade the unit can also decrease the temperature while it’s running. This is a good way to avoid the unit breaking down in the middle of the summer sun!

A final, and more long-term tip, is to plant trees and use vegetation around the property as a natural defense against the heat. Trees, as well as vines, provide natural shade. It is recommended to plant trees around 15 ft away from the home at minimum to avoid soil erosion and protect your home from damage as the tree grows. A more mechanical option is to install strategically placed awnings around your home. Not just an aid for entertainment purposes, these additions to a home provide shade to decks, patios and even portions of the home’s interior- depending on where it’s placed. 

No matter your preferred method to beat the heat, this guide will ensure you don’t sweat when temperatures start rising! Visit us at https://www.hotrinspections.com for more tips to ensure your home is season ready year-round!