Best Review Guide / Articles / Home / Miscellaneous / Smart Solutions For Keeping Your Home Comfortable This Summer

Smart Solutions For Keeping Your Home Comfortable This Summer

Mitch Avatar By: Mitch | Last updated February 10, 2023

illustration of person with remote turning on the AC unit


Introduction

As temperatures soar in Texas during the summer months, homeowners must find ways to keep their homes comfortable and energy efficient. With a few smart solutions, you can easily maintain an optimal temperature indoors while avoiding skyrocketing cooling costs. 

This article will explore several smart solutions for keeping your Texas home comfortable this summer. and it will also discuss why it’s important to take proper care of your air conditioning system so that it runs as efficiently as possible throughout the hot summer months.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to maximize comfort in your home while saving money on energy bills!

hot air turning into cold air in hvac system

Install a Programmable Thermostat

One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your home cool during the summer months is to install a programmable thermostat. This type of thermostat allows you to preset different temperatures for different times of day, so you’re not cooling your home when nobody is home. You can also set the thermostat to turn on the air conditioner a few minutes before you arrive home, so you’ll be greeted with a cool, comfortable house.

Additionally, a programmable thermostat can save you money on your energy bills by helping you to use less energy overall. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a programmable thermostat can save you up to 15% on cooling costs.

Consider HVAC System Options

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in your home is the main source of cooling power during the hot summer months, so it’s important to make sure that your HVAC system is functioning properly to maximize efficiency and keep costs down. 

When shopping for an HVAC system, consider a model with a higher SEER rating, which measures the efficiency of an air conditioning system. A higher SEER rating means more efficient cooling power and lower energy bills. Additionally, look for a model with a high-efficiency compressor, as this component is responsible for pumping cold air into your home.

Furthermore, consider the installation and maintenance costs of each system before making a purchase. For example, the local conditioning technicians from Lex Air offer high quality HVAC Repair and Installation in Carrollton, TX, and can help you find the perfect system for your home. While an efficient model may cost more upfront, it will save you money in the long run with lower energy bills and fewer repair costs.

Increase Insulation in Your Attic

Proper insulation in your attic is essential to keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient in the summer months. Insulation helps keep warm air from entering your home and keeps cool air inside. Adding insulation to your attic is a smart solution for keeping your home cool. Make sure you choose the correct R-value rating of insulation, as this will determine how much insulation is required for optimal performance in Texas’s climate.

For instance, in North Texas, an R-value between 30 and 49 is recommended, but if you’re not sure which insulation to use, contact a professional for advice. Also, be sure to check existing insulation levels in your attic. If it's outdated or insufficient, replacing it with the right type of insulation can make a big difference.

Seal Up Cracks and Gaps

Air leaks can cause your home to lose valuable cool air, leading to higher energy bills. By sealing up any cracks and gaps around windows and doors, you can create a comfortable indoor environment while stopping the flow of hot air into your home. You should also inspect your exterior walls for air leaks and seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk.

On the other hand, if you have gaps in your interior walls, they can be sealed with caulking or expanding foam. These solutions are also effective for sealing around outlets, switches, and other openings. By taking the time to seal up any cracks and gaps in your home, you can make a big difference in terms of comfort and energy efficiency. 

Window Solutions

Windows play a critical role in the temperature of your home, especially during Texas summers. To keep the inside temperature comfortable and reduce energy bills, consider these window solutions:

  • Install blinds or shutters on all windows to regulate sunlight and create shade when needed. This helps prevent direct sunlight from entering your home and heating it.
  • Install tinted windows to reduce the amount of solar radiation coming into your home. Tinted windows can block up to 70% of incoming sunlight, which will keep your home cooler and protect you from UV rays.
  • Install energy-efficient windows with a low-e coating to improve insulation, reduce heat transfer, and save energy.
  • Install window awnings to create shade, reduce glare from the sun, and help keep your home cooler in summer.
  • Add decorative films or frosting on windows to provide extra insulation and protect furniture and carpets from fading due to direct sunlight exposure.
Use Fans Strategically

Finally, you can also reduce the strain on your air conditioning system by strategically placing fans throughout your home. Ceiling fans are especially effective at circulating cool air and making it easier for your air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature. If possible, try positioning ceiling fans so they blow cool air down onto people in the room. This will help you feel cooler without having to lower the temperature on your thermostat.

In addition to ceiling fans, you can also use floor fans, desk fans, and portable fans to circulate cool air and improve indoor comfort.

Use Fans Strategically

Finally, you can also reduce the strain on your air conditioning system by strategically placing fans throughout your home. Ceiling fans are especially effective at circulating cool air and making it easier for your air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature. If possible, try positioning ceiling fans so they blow cool air down onto people in the room. This will help you feel cooler without having to lower the temperature on your thermostat.

In addition to ceiling fans, you can also use floor fans, desk fans, and portable fans to circulate cool air and improve indoor comfort.

 

large glass windows with shades drawn to keep inside cool

Therefore, increasing insulation in your attic and sealing up any cracks and gaps are two of the most important steps for improving comfort levels inside your Texas home.

Additionally, window solutions such as installing blinds or shutters, tinted windows, energy-efficient windows with low-e coating, window awnings, and decorative films will help keep cool air in while keeping hot air out.

Finally, strategically placing ceiling fans around your home can reduce strain on your air conditioning system so it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain optimal temperatures during warm weather months.

SUBSCRIBE