Moving to a new place and a new home is already tough. Especially if you are moving to a new city where the weather is hotter, you should be ready to experience the rising temperature during summer. Many people resort to air conditioners to cool their houses, but the cost of running an AC is immense, and it can be too expensive.
High costs can, of course, be one of the many reasons you might be moving from a city like Miami, which is not only hot and humid but the living costs are 21% higher than the national average!
However, cities in Florida usually have hot and long summers, so you must be prepared to battle the heat. Extreme heat waves can cause detrimental effects on the overall well-being of individuals, especially if you have young children or old parents in your home. But certain measures can help you fight the hot summers and stay comfortable.
Keep in mind that you can’t do without an air conditioner, so it would be best to move to a city like Palmetto, where living costs are 12% lower than in Miami. Hence, you won’t be breaking the bank on your utility bills. Make sure you hire the best movers who can also help with removing and re-installing your air conditioner or any other cooling appliances. Search online using keywords like Miami long distance moving companies near me and contact the one with good reviews and testimonials.
Now, let’s dive into some tips to keep your house cool and the temperatures inside moderate during summer. Read on.
- Keep a Check on Your Home’s Insulation
Many homeowners mistakenly overlook their home insulation even though it plays an imperative role in regulating the overall temperature in the home.
It is recommended to install a radiant barrier, especially if your home is located in a city that experiences hot summer weather. A radiant barrier can help prevent the home from overheating while also cutting down on the overall AC costs. Ceiling insulation is also a good idea to create a thermal barrier around your home, which can prevent the heat from transferring through the ceiling inside the home.
- Block the Heat
Another way to prevent your home from heating up is to stop the heat from barging into your space. You can do this by placing external coverings on your windows and walls, like awnings and blinds. Light-colored curtains and blinds made of soft fabric are particularly helpful in blocking the heat. Placing large potted plants can also help keep the internal environment cool.
- Adjust the Ceiling Fans
A lot of people are not sure about the functions of ceiling fans. You might think that ceiling fans simply push around the hot air around the home. In fact, you might not even have them installed yet.
However, installing ceiling fans is a smart investment. Moreover, you should set them to rotate counterclockwise to push the air straight down in the room, creating a cooling effect. A standing fan is also a good idea to push the cooler air across the home. Exhaust fans, on the other hand, can help with pushing the warmer air outside.
- Minimize the Usage of Large Appliances
Large appliances like microwaves, washing machines, and dishwashers generate a lot of heat. You might have to use them early in the day, but where possible, it would be best to perform these chores in the evening when the temperature outside is lower. These appliances can generate heat, which may linger in your home and raise the overall temperature.
- Be Smart with Your Home Décor
The home décor also affects the overall comfort and vibe inside the home. For instance, light-colored décor gives an airier feel to the space, while dark colors tend to absorb heat. The type of materials you use across the home also matters. For instance, cotton, silk, and linen are useful in maintaining a cool environment around the space.
Moreover, indoor plants are also great when it comes to absorbing heat enhancing the air quality in the home.
- Invest in Double-Pane Glass Windows
Windows are quite useful in terms of regulating temperatures across the house. However, windows tend to absorb ambient heat from outside, which can cause the internal temperatures to escalate. Therefore, you should consider energy-efficient windows such as double-pane glass ones. These windows insulate more than single-pane windows and help moderate the internal temperature.
- Throw Away Incandescent Lights
Incandescent light bulbs tend to lose energy in the form of heat, which can also cause the overall temperature inside your home to increase. These light bulbs have started to phase out in many places, but older homes still use them. Therefore, consider switching to energy-saving bulbs that are both energy and cost-effective.
- Opt for Proper Flooring
Many houses have carpet flooring, which is a great way to keep the house warm during winter. However, carpets store heat, so in summer, they can be the reason your house is warmer than usual.
Therefore, when the temperature starts to shoot up, you can remove the carpets and rugs around your home to keep the floor temperature cool. If you are looking for a permanent solution, you can opt for ceramic, stone, or porcelain flooring. These materials are much cooler as compared to other options.
- Consider Your Own Habits Too
Besides making the necessary arrangements around your home, you need to also consider how you can change your daily habits to keep yourself cool. For instance, wearing lightweight, loose clothing made with fabrics like linen and cotton can help you stay comfortable. Avoid going outside during the day unnecessarily to avoid coming in contact with the harmful sun rays.
Using an icepack or cold cloth on your feet and wrists can also be a great way to feel better, especially if you have just entered the home from the scorching heat outside.
Conclusion
Summers are great when it comes to activities like visiting a beach, playing sports, or just having a vacation getaway. But summers also bring harsh days when the temperature is extremely high, and it can be difficult to even relax at home. Especially if you are moving to a new city where the temperatures tend to go higher, you need to make necessary arrangements around your home to fight off the tough weather. The aforementioned tips can help moderate the conditions inside your home so you and your family stay comfortable and cool throughout the long summer weather.
