Energy-efficient tips for keeping your house cool in extreme heat

by Robin Anderson Real Estate 07/16/2023

Photo of a man on the couch under an AC unit

Warm weather is often a time for outdoor parties, frozen drinks, cooling mist features and finding ways to keep members of your home and house guests hydrated on an outdoor dance floor during epic game nights. However, it’s also a great time to take stock in your home’s weather resilience.

Even if you live in a region without many hot days during the summer, there are benefits to keeping your house cool in extreme heat. You can increase your home's energy efficiency, lower your utility bills and keep guests cool when hosting a summer gathering.

Before you retreat to the pool or head for the fan and ice bucket, consider making some simple changes and upgrades to your home to beat the heat. Here's what you can do to stay safe and comfortable at home in the sun:


Insulation may need a refresh

Before you consider air conditioning or portable fans, start by making sure your home's insulation is up to spec. Proper insulation can reduce your energy bills year-round, and keep your home a comfortable temperature in extreme heat.

Poor insulation usually presents itself as drafts, intense energy bills, sudden and impactful temperature fluctuations and possible dampness - especially in humid climates.


Smart home technology stays on top of utility bills

Smart thermostats are the best way to carefully monitor and control the temperature in your home. In addition to fine-tuning comfort levels, you can program your thermostat to adjust automatically based on the weather forecast. You can also monitor and change temperatures in a room based on use to avoid wasting energy.

Be sure you choose a smart thermostat with all the features you need to keep your home comfortable and refreshing. For example, ensure your thermostat is compatible with your current HVAC system. Choosing one that isn’t could create more problems than it solves.


Windows can keep you cooler

Modern windows and window seals can help reduce the amount of high temperatures your home absorbs by a noticeable percentage. 

Low-emissivity or low-E glass windows block a large amount of both UV and infrared radiation from sunlight and keep the heat outside. These energy-efficient windows will also prevent leaking precious cool air from inside the home.


Doors are also great seals

Similarly to windows, doors can make a big difference in temperature control and energy efficiency. Doors made of fiberglass are strong and prevent hot air from traveling in or out of your home. Properly sealing the doors will also maximize energy efficiency while keeping the house cool in extreme heat.

By combining all of these tips, you'll have excellent defense against extreme heat. By staying cool, you'll save on your utility bills and reduce your energy consumption at the same time.

About the Author
Author

Robin Anderson Real Estate

“My Passion is people and relationships and I promise to provide my clients with exceptional service tailored to their individual needs.” -Robin Anderson 

Georgia native, Robin Anderson brings her passion for people and her love of homes to work for her clients. She and her husband, Andy, have been married for over 30 years and have two adult children, Ellen and Drew. They currently live in Fulton County, but Robin has lived and invested in properties throughout metro Atlanta as well as helped clients buy and sell. She has been integral to many real estate endeavors including designing and building several custom homes, remodeling homes, subdividing land, managing rental properties, and buying and selling properties. She spent her first 3 years in real estate working with a new home builder, and she has spent the last 6 years working with buyers and sellers in her own community. Robin is highly motivated but sensitive to the fact that buying and selling homes can be an emotional experience, so she makes it a priority to keep clients closely informed throughout the process and strives to produce quick results. She appreciates the opportunity to help her clients navigate the real estate process, and she aspires to deliver quality customer service that is both informative and positive. She is driven to provide outstanding service for her clients and she is focused on building successful and lasting relationships with her clients. This personalized service earns her enthusiastic referrals from clients she is pleased to call friends.Edit

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