How to Prepare Your Home for the Heat

Summer isn’t all BBQs and swimming pools- it can be seriously hot too. As the temperatures rise outside, so do the temperatures inside. Keeping your home cool and comfortable without cranking up the air conditioning can be difficult, particularly if you live in a humid area. Before you decide to sit by a fan all summer, consider these practical tips to prepare for the heat.

Remove Damp Air with a Dehumidifier

Humidity is a problem for most coastal areas. Beach lovers may appreciate having the water so close by, however it tends to increase the humidity in the air and therefore, how hot it feels in your home. Dehumidifiers work to reduce the moisture in the air by pulling air into its cooling system and releasing it back into the room. The moisture that’s removed then drips into a bucket or other drainage system. No one likes the feeling of dampness in their home and using a dehumidifier not only reduces dampness but makes your home feel cooler.

Seal Cracks Near Doors and Windows

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably yelled at your kids to shut a door because you don’t want to air condition the whole neighborhood. While your doors and windows may technically be shut, if there’s a crack in the door or window frame, you might still be “air conditioning the whole neighborhood.” Check your door frames to make sure the weather stripping is still in-tact. Add caulking or other sealant to windows or doors where air could slip out. Little things like this can make a big difference!

Try Sleeping Under Cooling Bedding

No one enjoys being hot while they sleep. It’s uncomfortable and not conducive to a good night’s rest. If your air conditioning just can’t keep up with the heat, try cooling bedding. Made from cooling fabrics like nylon with a microfiber fill, cooling bedding gives you the comfort of sleeping under something while keeping cool.

Turn Off Lights and Appliances Not in Use

Turning off the lights isn’t just good for your energy bill, it also helps cool down your house. Energy.gov reports that only 10-15% of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in actual light, the rest is turned into heat. While many people are using energy-saving light bulbs now, some still use incandescent bulbs.

To keep your home cooler, consider switching to energy efficient bulbs and turning off the lights when you aren’t in the room. Other appliances like TVs and computers also give off a fair amount of heat and should be turned off as well.

Get Your AC Unit Serviced

Lastly, have your air conditioning unit serviced before the heat of the summer kicks in. A professional technician will be able to check for energy inefficiencies or parts that are wearing down. Regular maintenance of your AC unit is important for increasing its lifespan and keeping costly repairs at a minimum.

Beat the Heat with the Right Tools

Spend your time enjoying the summer season this year instead of sitting in front of fan. Consider using a dehumidifier to improve indoor air quality and make sure you’re getting the most out of the air conditioning you do use. The experts at Allergy Buyers Club can help you select the right dehumidifier for your home to keep you comfortable all season long.