Tips to Keep Your Home Cool This Summer

As the summer heat sets in, keeping your home cool here in The Colony becomes more than just a matter of comfort—it’s about reducing your energy bills and minimizing your environmental impact. With temperatures rising, turning up the AC or staying indoors with fans running all day is tempting. However, these approaches can lead to higher energy consumption and costs. Luckily, there are practical and sustainable ways to beat the heat and keep your home cool without breaking the bank, maintaining a comfortable environment inside your home while being kinder to the planet.

Windows and Curtains

Your windows can let in a lot of heat during the summer. Simple strategies can significantly reduce this heat gain. Closing your blinds can prevent up to 30% of unwanted heat, lowering indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees. Investing in blackout curtains can also reduce heat gain by up to 33%, especially if they are neutral-colored with white plastic backings.

Additionally, planting trees or large plants outside your windows can provide natural shade and reduce the heat entering your home.

Ceiling Fans and Air Circulation

Ceiling fans can make a big difference in your home’s comfort during the summer. Setting your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise at a higher speed creates a wind-chill breeze effect that makes you feel more relaxed as the air is pushed down for cooling. Also, remember to keep doors closed as much as possible to maintain excellent air circulation throughout your home.

Bedding and Fabrics

Your choice of bedding and fabrics can affect your comfort during hot weather. Refresh your sheets with breathable cotton, which stays cooler and provides more comfort in warmer temperatures. Alternatively, consider Miracle Made sheets, which are antibacterial, self-cleaning, and designed for healthier skin. They will help you stay cool and comfortable—they may even become your new favorite sheets!

Additional Tips for Keeping Cool

Several additional tips and ways exist to stay cool without cranking up the AC. Hack a fan by placing a bowl of ice or an ice pack before it for a cooling mist effect. Focus on your body temperature by drinking cold beverages, applying a cold cloth to your pulse points, and wearing light, breathable clothing. Using bathroom and kitchen fans to remove hot air after cooking or showering keeps your home cooler and more comfortable.

Long-Term Improvements

You can also improve your home for ongoing comfort and efficiency. Insulate windows with films and add awnings to reduce heat absorption—plant shade trees around your home to block the sun’s rays and reduce cooling costs. Switch to energy-saving LED light bulbs, which produce less heat and save on electricity costs.

Chill Out and Beat the Heat at The Colony

At The Colony, we value comfort and sustainability. Enjoy a cooler home while contributing to a greener environment by following one (or a few!) of these tips. Contact us today or visit our website to explore our community and discover how you can live comfortably in Bastrop, TX.