How to Keep House Cool in Summer: 25 Tips and Tricks

Summertime is often associated with joy and warm golden afternoons, but it also brings the challenge of keeping your home cool without breaking the bank. High energy bills can be a burden, especially for landlords renting vacation homes, where guests’ energy use can quickly escalate electricity costs, and the air conditioner struggles to keep the house cool.

A cooler home can reduce energy costs, making it more economical and environmentally friendly. It can also create a more comfortable living space, prevent heat-related health issues, and enhance overall quality of life. Fortunately, there are effective strategies for both landlords and tenants to beat the heat as temperatures rise. From home improvements to using your fans and curtains correctly, you can keep the summer heat outside the house while circulating cool air indoors.

Additionally, homeowners and landlords must ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations when implementing these cooling tips. Consulting with legal professionals can help you navigate these requirements effectively.

Here are 25 tips and tricks to keep your home cool this summer.

Seal the Exterior

Sealing up and insulating is the most effective method to keep your house cool in the summer. You want to keep warm air from getting in, keep cold air from getting out, and prevent heat from transferring through the materials of your home through insulation.

This can be done with several home improvement projects ranging from easy DIY to professional repairs and renovations.

For example: Sarah, a homeowner in Arizona, noticed her energy bills were skyrocketing each summer. After sealing the gaps around her windows and doors and replacing the weather stripping, she saw a considerable reduction in her monthly energy costs. She also upgraded her attic insulation and immediately felt the difference in her home’s overall comfort.

1. Seal Windows and Doors for Maximum Efficiency

With nothing more than a caulk gun and a sealant tube, you can seal up rattling windows and doors or cracked frames to stop unwanted air transfer. Double-paned windows that rattle provide extra insulation once resealed but will need full replacement to regain the full effect of gas-insulated windows.

2. Replace Weather Stripping Around Exterior Doors

Exterior doors are sealed with weather stripping, flexible strips of rubber, and fabric that seal the doors when closed and flex so the doors can open. These strips wear out and must be replaced every 2-5 years, so you may lose AC through leaks and not realize that your weather stripping is old. It’s a simple project to remove old weatherstripping and attach new strips to each external door.

3. Have Your Siding Inspected and Repaired

Gaps or damage to your external structure can also let hot air in or cold air out. Have your siding inspected for damage and repaired if necessary. Seal gaps or cracks in your home’s interior structure to keep your AC inside instead of escaping into the hot spaces between the walls.

4. Upgrade Your Insulation

If you’re looking for a project that will significantly improve your home’s cool in the summer and warmth in the winter, upgrade your insulation. You can better insulate the attic easily and add better insulation between the walls whenever a renovation is underway. This will prevent heat, cold, and even sound from transmitting between the walls and floors of your home.

Take Care of Your Air Conditioner

The performance of your air conditioner is crucial to evenly distributing cool air through your home and minimizing the energy bill. However, most people don’t think much about their HVAC units even when the power bills rise and their home struggles to stay cool.

HVAC systems must often meet specific local regulations regarding installation, maintenance, and efficiency. Consulting a legal expert can help ensure compliance with these regulations, avoiding potential fines or liabilities.

You can improve the performance and efficiency of your air conditioning unit for a cooler summer experience in several ways.

For example: Mike, a landlord of a vacation rental in Florida, was frustrated by the high energy bills caused by guests leaving the air conditioner running all day. He installed a smart thermostat and programmed it to adjust the temperature based on occupancy. This simple upgrade not only reduced energy consumption but also saved him a considerable monthly amount on electricity bills.

5. Change Your Air Filter

Changing the air filters is the first and easiest way to maintain your air conditioner:

• Filters must be changed every one to three months, depending on your system, region, and dust sources (like pets) inside the house.
• When your air filter is clogged, your AC loses efficiency. Changing AC filters regularly will improve airflow and keep your air conditioner in good condition.

6. Optimize with a Smart Thermostat

Programming your thermostat is one of the best ways to keep the house cool and efficient at the same time. If everyone leaves during the day, you can set your thermostat to warm up while the house is empty and start cooling just before you get home.

Cool the house down efficiently at night and choose a tolerable medium temperature during the day. Smart thermostats can even adapt to peak hours and help you balance cooling cycles with your daily schedule.

7. Clear Debris from the Outside AC Unit

If you want to improve efficiency from the outside in, check on the outdoor unit of your AC system. Clear away any brush and debris from the vents, and if you see any dented fins or a great deal of dirt buildup, a technician can sort it out for you.

8. Book Your Annual HVAC Maintenance & Cleaning

Speaking of HVAC technicians, every HVAC system needs an annual maintenance visit for cleaning, tune-up, and potential repairs. Book yours in the springtime before the heat of summer whenever possible or in the middle of summer if your AC is not as efficient as it should be. A quick tune-up can significantly improve your AC unit’s performance and energy efficiency.

9. Have Your Ducts Cleaned

Dust builds up inside ducts just like it does on your air filter. Dirty ducts can cause slower airflow and more dust/allergen redistribution through the house. Cleaning your ducts will improve cooling efficiency and indoor air quality for the next two or three years before it’s time for another cleaning.

Improve Air Flow

Air circulation is essential to feeling cool and warm in your home in searing heat. Proper ventilation in the attic and airflow in your living spaces can maximize the effect of your AC, cooling the house more evenly and preventing heat from building up where you don’t want it.

For example: Lena, living in a two-story house in Texas, struggled with uneven cooling between the floors. She decided to add attic ventilation with ridge vents and soffit vents, significantly improving the airflow throughout her home. Not only did this help regulate the temperature, but it also made her AC system more efficient, reducing her cooling costs.

10. Make Sure the Attic Is Ventilated

Attic ventilation matters more than most people realize. With the simple air movement through your attic, you can prevent heat from building below your roof and transferring into the rest of the house through the ceiling. Proper attic insulation and a few vents can keep much hot air outside the house.

Types of Vents to Use:

• Soffit Vents: These are installed under the eaves of your roof, allowing cool air to enter the attic from outside.
• Ridge Vents: Installed along the peak of your roof, they provide a continuous exhaust path for hot air to escape from the attic.
• Gable Vents: These are installed on the exterior walls of the attic, near the roof’s peak. They facilitate cross-ventilation by allowing air to flow in and out of the attic space horizontally.
• Roof Vents: These include turbine vents (often called “whirlybirds”), powered fans, and static vents. Roof vents are installed directly on the roof’s surface to help release hot air from the attic.

In addition to installing vents, ensure that your attic is properly insulated and sealed. Insulation helps prevent heat transfer from the attic to the living spaces below, while air sealing minimizes gaps and cracks that could allow conditioned air to escape or unconditioned air to enter.

11. Switch Ceiling Fans to Spin Counter-Clockwise

Ceiling fan direction determines what kind of air circulation they provide:

• Clockwise spin helps to stir warm air during the winter.
• Rotating counterclockwise in the summer will create a cool breeze that will keep your home cool without cranking up the AC to low temperatures.

Climb up to each of your ceiling fans and flip the switch on the side of the central mechanism. Set the fan at its lowest setting and stand below to determine if the blades are turning in the correct direction.

12. Keep Interior Doors Open

While you want to keep your exterior doors and windows shut tight, the doors inside the home should remain open. This promotes even air circulation through the house and makes the best use of your AC cooling vents in each room for an even, comfortable temperature throughout.

Open doors can make a big difference for fresh air and gentle air circulation if your rooms feel stuffy in the summer.

13. Place Floor Fans in Key Locations

You can also feel cooler and increase your AC’s effectiveness with a few strategically placed floor fans:

• Fans at the top or bottom of the stairs, at the end of hallways, and blowing through open living spaces can help circulate AC and create a pleasantly cooling breeze within your home.
• You can adjust the fan speed according to the temperature outside, going at top speed during the hottest part of the day.

Keep Out the Sunshine

Your home absorbs heat in the summer, not just from the air but also from the sun’s rays. The more sunlight hits the house, the warmer your home will become.

Therefore, preventing sunshine from hitting your home’s roof, windows, and walls can save money and help you keep cool by keeping that ambient heat outdoors.

For example: James, a resident of Nevada, noticed that his south-facing rooms were getting unbearably hot during the day. He installed reflective window film and used cellular shades on all windows. The combined effect reduced the indoor temperature by several degrees and cut his cooling expenses.

14. Hang the Right Summer Curtains

First, protect your windows from the sun’s heat pouring in. Light-colored curtains reflect light instead of absorbing it, while cellular or insulated shades create a barrier of air that prevents heat from coming directly indoors.

In extreme heat, insulated window film or even a reflective film can significantly reduce the sun’s heat through your windows. If you like traditional draperies, use the decorative filmy white curtains facing the outside to deflect light while using heavier and darker colored drapes over these indoors. You can also choose blackout curtains that block sunlight completely and can even reduce noise coming from outside.

Choosing the right window coverings can significantly impact your home’s temperature and energy efficiency during summer:

• Curtains: Light-colored curtains reflect sunlight, while blackout curtains block heat and light. They offer a variety of styles but can be bulky and less precise in controlling light.
• Blinds: Blinds provide precise light control with adjustable slats and are easy to clean. However, they offer less insulation against heat and can block airflow when fully closed.
• Shades: Cellular shades insulate well by trapping air, while roller shades with reflective backing reduce heat gain. They are effective but offer less versatility in light control compared to blinds.
• Window Films: Reflective films reduce heat and UV light without blocking views but may dim natural light and aren’t suitable for all window types.

15. Encourage Leafy Tree Growth

Trees over your house can keep your house noticeably cooler because you are exposed to far less direct sunlight. If you have tall trees, allow them to grow shadily over your home. If you don’t have a tree, planting a fast-growing canopy tree now can save your money in summer cooling bills in just a few years of growth.

16. Mount Awnings Over Windows

Even without tree cover, you can reduce the heat that hits your home with a few simple awnings. Combining awnings on the outside with the right curtains on the inside is a great way to make sure your windows, especially your south-facing windows, do not become a major source of summer heat.

Awnings or shade sails deflect sunshine onto a thin mesh or canvas fabric instead of allowing the sunlight to make it to your windows or siding.

Before installing awnings or making other exterior modifications, check if you need a permit or if there are any restrictions in your area. Legal professionals can assist you in understanding these requirements.

Reduce Indoor Heat

Producing less indoor heat is another great way to keep your house cool during summer. You might be surprised to learn just how many ways your home produces unwanted heat and how cool it will feel when you make a few changes.

For renters, it’s important to understand any restrictions in your lease agreement related to appliance use and energy-saving practices. Legal guidance can help clarify any obligations or permissions regarding these changes.

For example: Emily, a busy mom in California, found her kitchen unbearable during summer afternoons. She switched from using the oven to preparing meals with a slow cooker and microwave, which generated much less heat. This change kept her kitchen cooler and reduced the workload on her air conditioner, leading to lower energy bills.

17. Skip Oven Meals – Opt for Alternative Cooking Methods

Minimize the use of your oven and stove during the summer, as they can generate a lot of heat, making your home warmer and forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Don’t make your AC work to remove that heat. Instead, consider using appliances that produce less heat, such as slow cookers, microwaves, or electric pressure cookers.

These options not only cook your meals efficiently but also keep your kitchen cooler. You can also enjoy more outdoor cooking by grilling or barbecuing, where the heat dissipates into the open air, keeping the indoor environment comfortable.

18. Take Cool Refreshing Showers

Hot showers also aren’t a necessity most of the time. Not only can you avoid getting your bathroom muggy with steam, but a lukewarm shower is nicely refreshing during a hot summer day. Find the perfect setting for your shower knobs to achieve just the right temperature for midday showers and save the hot showers for late at night when the air has cooled down, and your vent will be more effective.

19. Run the Big Appliances at Night

Large appliances also generate a surprising amount of waste heat. Consider running your laundry machines and dishwasher in the evening to avoid building up the heat indoors during hot summer days. Turn off your dishwasher’s hot drying cycle and open the door to let your dishes dry naturally, especially saving your heated dryer cycles for after dark.

20. Switch Off Unused Appliances

You can even reduce the ambient electrical heat of a modern household by fully switching off appliances when they are not in use. Use power strips to disconnect items like your television that may hum in ‘standby’ mode when officially switched off, and turn off warm computer screens during the day to reduce the heat they add to your home interior.

21. Take Control of Your Humidity

Humidity also greatly affects whether your home feels cool during the summer. If the air is too muggy, heat will not dissipate, and a dehumidifier is an answer. If the air is too dry, the air may feel stale and hot, and the mist from a cool humidifier will be refreshing.

Keep Your Body Cool

Lastly, you can increase the perceived efficiency of your home cooling by treating yourself the right way during the summer. Keep your body cool with light clothing, light breezes, and the right bedding to feel cool even as the summer temperatures rise.

For example: Robert and his family, who live in the Pacific Northwest, discovered that cooling their home at night by opening windows and using fans significantly improved their sleep quality. They reduced their reliance on air conditioning, resulting in substantial energy savings during the hot months.

22. Wear Light, Breezy Clothing

Switch to summer clothing and experiment with light, breezy styles:

• Make sure your clothes are made of breathable materials—even t-shirts and tanks can be too heavy in the summer if made incorrectly.
• Consider wearing shorts or skirts more often and swap out your heavy winter socks for light synthetic socks.

Every little bit counts to reduce body heat. You may even want to switch your hairstyle to keep a breeze flowing over your ears and the back of your neck, where heat tends to be trapped by winter styles.

23. Switch to Percale Weave Sheets & a Light Blanket

Hot sleeping is the bane of warm summer nights. Sleep cooler with the right bedding and bedroom setup. Swap out those flannel sheets for a light and cooling percale weave. Switch your favorite comforter for a light microfiber blanket or a cotton quilt. If you have trouble sleeping with summer-weight bedding, use a weighted blanket that is also breathable, and consider adding a ceiling fan to your bedroom for airflow and white noise.

24. Create a Misting Fan

During the day, add a little “misting” to a fan or two. Misting is when a fan blows small droplets of water that evaporate off your skin to help you keep cool. Place a block of ice before a fan or spritz clean water from a spray bottle into the fan’s breeze to help yourself and others stay cool.

25. Cool Down at Night

Take advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures to keep your home comfortable and reduce energy costs. Cooling your house at night, when the sun is down and the outside air is cooler, allows your air conditioner to work more efficiently.

Lower temperatures at night can improve sleep quality by creating a more comfortable environment. If your region’s weather is right, consider switching to fan-only mode and opening windows to allow the cooler night air to circulate, further reducing the need for air conditioning and cutting down on energy use.

Staying Comfortable with Cooling Summer Tips

These recommendations can help anyone keep their home cool during the summer, whether you are cooling the family home or maintaining a comfortable vacation rental property as part of your investment portfolio.

Implementing these cooling tips is a great way to stay comfortable and save on energy bills. However, it’s also important to ensure that all home improvements and energy-saving measures are in line with local regulations and property codes. Legal Templates can help you prepare for all your formal duties as a homeowner with the necessary legal documents, no matter your plans or the season.