For many people, AC is a must-have, especially during those hot summer months. However, it is not always possible to have one, especially if you own a house before the 1950s. Fortunately, there are some ways in which you can cool your home without using air conditioning. It will require summer-proofing each floor separately, but still – you can do it.
Below, you will find seven ways to cool your house without using an AC. You can read all about insulating your home, venting the attic, rebuilding your roof, and many more. Read on and make sure you can live comfortably all year round!
Table of Contents
#1 Insulating and Venting the Attic
Insulation is the first thing you need to do if you want to cool your house without using AC. It is an inexpensive and easy-to-install solution. You can purchase insulation kits at your local hardware store, along with the necessary tools, or hire a professional insulation service in your area.
The ventilation of the attic is also essential for the proper cooling of your home. If you don’t install a fan, heat will be stored in your attic, making your house even hotter.
#2 Rebuild Your Roof
The roof is one of the essential parts of your home when it comes to cooling it. It is the shielding from the sun and all sorts of weather conditions. A poorly-made roof will not be able to withstand the heat, which makes proper roofing a must-have for all house owners.
One of the most efficient solutions to protect your house from high temperatures is adding EPDM rubber roofing membranes – highly durable and weather-resistant material. You can learn more about it at https://www.rubberroofingdirect.co.uk/rubber-roof-membranes.html.
#3 Keep the Curtains Closed
In the summer, keep the curtains closed as much as you can. This will prevent the sun from heating up your house, and it will also limit the amount of heat that gets in through the windows. In addition, it will protect you from UV rays and keep your furniture and floors from fading fast.
You should keep the curtains closed during the day, but you can open them in the evening when the sun goes down. At night, the temperature will drop, and you can enjoy some nice air circulation without having to worry about anything else.
#4 Make Cross-Ventilation Possible
In order to make cross-ventilation possible, you will need to make sure that your house is not too air-tight. This means that you need to leave a few windows and doors open, especially those on opposite ends of the house.
All of the rooms will then benefit from the cross-ventilation. The air is circulated through the house, and it will regulate the temperature. Even though you won’t have an AC, your home will stay cool during the summer without any significant issues.
#5 Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great way to cool your house without having to rely on an AC. You can adjust the speed on the ceiling fan so that you get the desired effect. Additionally, you can use it to circulate air and create cross-ventilation. This means that you will not need to leave any doors or windows open during the summer months. However, you should still open them during the night when the temperature drops.
#6 Plant Trees
Planting trees is yet another great way to cool your house without an AC. Not only will they provide you with shade, but they will also make the air in your home fresher. That’s because the leaves will absorb some of the heat and dust from the air.
Planting deciduous trees are probably the best option, especially if you live in a humid climate. This is because they can cool your house while letting it breathe at the same time. Evergreen trees will not be as efficient in keeping the house cool, but they will do an excellent job at filtering the air.
#7 Add Light Reflectors Outside
All homes have a problem with sunlight coming inside during the hottest parts of the day. When this happens, it causes the temperature inside your home to rise even more. Light reflectors will help you to keep your house cool during the summer.
These are small panels that you can add anywhere outside of your house. They will reflect sunlight and prevent it from coming inside. You can install them on the roof, walls, or the ground. This is a great way to keep your home cool without having to rely on an AC. These panels are inexpensive, and you can install them within a few hours.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need an AC to cool your house in the summer. If you want to have proper ventilation, insulation, and sunlight blocking, you can always rely on other solutions. The list above contains some of the best ones that you can use to cool your house without an AC.
The best part is that these are all inexpensive and easy to install. Some of them can be done in a few hours, while others will require you to hire a professional for the job. Nevertheless, using these tips will allow you to stay comfortable all year round!