Close Your Blinds
If you have windows that receive direct sunlight at any part of the day, you’ll benefit from keeping the blinds closed or curtains drawn for at least the sunniest part of the day. For rooms on lower floors, try turning your blinds upwards to prevent rays (and heat) from sneaking through. [1]
Insulation is Key Year Round
All those beautiful photos you can find on Pinterest of glorious exposed rafters notwithstanding, insulation is a must, Urbankek said. She lives in a century-old house herself, and although “it's not something fun to spend money on — even as somebody who knew this was the right thing,” adding insulation to the walls and attic was one of her first priorities. “It's not as fun as new countertop but it will save you money and make you more comfortable in your house.”
How exactly does insulation work? “The way thermodynamics work is heat flows from a hotter place to a cooler place,” Urbanek explained. “Not having insulation means heat is seeping into your house and your air conditioner is having to work a lot harder.” Or, to use the words of the insulation contractor who came to our house to take thermal images, “heat is screaming in through your ceiling.” [2]
Swap Your Sheets
Not only does seasonally switching your bedding freshen up a room, but it’s also a great way to keep cool. While textiles like flannel sheets and fleece blankets are fantastic for insulation, cotton is a smarter move this time of year as it breathes easier and stays cooler. As an added bonus, buy yourself a buckwheat pillow or two. Because buckwheat hulls have a naturally occurring air space between them, they won’t hold on to your body heat like conventional pillows, even when packed together in a pillowcase. [3]
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[1] Gillies, Malina. "12 Alternative Ideas For Keeping Your Home Cool This Summer." Family Handyman, 21 May 2021, https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/how-to-keep-your-home-cool-during-summer/
[2} McMahan, Dana. "How To Keep Your House Cool Without Running Up Your Utility Bill." Better By Today, 21 May 2021, https://www.nbcnews.com/better/business/how-keep-your-house-cool-without-running-your-utility-bill-ncna887321
[3] Toscano, Samantha & Strutner, Suzy. "15 Brilliant Ways to Keep Your Home Cool Without Airconditioning." Huffpost, 21 May 2021, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ways-to-cool-your-home_n_5516182
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