How to Keep Your Home Cool in Summer Heat

As temperatures rise, homeowners in Southern Oregon naturally turn to their air conditioners to maintain indoor comfort. However, depending solely on your HVAC system can strain the equipment, increase energy bills, and may not be the most effective way to keep every part of your home cool. At Stone Heating and Air, we understand that effective home cooling involves a combination of innovative strategies and preventative HVAC care. Here are some easy ways to keep your home cool in the summer heat, and why scheduling HVAC maintenance before the heatwave hits is a smart move.

Strategies to Support Your Air Conditioning to Keep Your Home Cool in Summer Heat

1. Optimize Your Air Conditioning Efficiency

Before exploring non-mechanical cooling methods, it’s essential to make sure your AC system is in peak condition.

1. Schedule Professional Maintenance Early: Avoid the summer rush and emergency breakdowns by scheduling a tune-up in late spring. During routine maintenance, Stone Heating and Air’s expert technicians inspect refrigerant levels, clean coils, replace filters, and check for wear that could compromise efficiency.
2. Replace Air Filters Regularly: A clogged filter restricts airflow and forces your AC to work harder, increasing energy usage and the likelihood of system failure.
3. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat: These devices help you avoid overcooling your home by allowing you to set temperature schedules or control your HVAC remotely.

Maintaining your system before summer starts ensures it’s running at peak performance and prevents discomfort due to sudden malfunctions during heatwaves.

2. Use Fans to Support Airflow and Circulation

Fans don’t cool the air, but they do move it, which helps sweat evaporate from your skin and makes the air feel cooler.

• Ceiling Fans: In the summer, set your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise to push air downward and create a breeze effect.
• Box and Oscillating Fans: Position fans near open windows in the cooler parts of the day to pull in fresh air and expel warm air.
• Attic Fans: These help exhaust hot air from your attic, preventing heat buildup that radiates into your living spaces.

When used in combination with your air conditioning system, fans can reduce your reliance on AC and lower energy bills.

3. Block Out the Heat with Window Treatments

Sunlight streaming through windows is a significant source of indoor heat. You can reduce this gain with:

• Blackout Curtains or Thermal Drapes: These block out sunlight and provide insulation.
• Reflective Blinds: These reduce the amount of solar radiation entering the room.
• Window Films: Reflective or UV-blocking window films can keep rooms cooler without blocking your view.
• Exterior Shading Devices: Awnings, shutters, and pergolas can shield windows from direct sun exposure.

By managing solar heat gain, these window treatments help reduce your cooling load and make your AC’s job easier.

4. Seal and Insulate Your Home

A well-insulated home isn’t just for winter—insulation and air sealing also help keep cool air in and hot air out.

• Seal Gaps and Cracks: Check around windows, doors, ductwork, and attic access points. Caulk or weatherstrip any leaks to stop warm air from entering your home.
• Upgrade Insulation: Ensure that your attic, walls, and crawl spaces are adequately insulated. Insulation slows down heat transfer, maintaining a stable indoor temperature.
• Duct Sealing: If your ductwork has leaks, you could be losing up to 30% of cooled air. Sealing ducts is a wise investment in comfort and efficiency.

Proper sealing and insulation reduce the amount of energy your HVAC system needs to cool your home, leading to improved performance and lower costs.

5. Reduce Heat from Appliances and Lighting

Home appliances and lighting generate heat, adding to your home’s overall temperature.

• Cook Outside or Use Small Appliances: Grills, toaster ovens, or microwaves produce less heat than a full oven or stove.
• Avoid Heat-Generating Activities During the Day: Run dishwashers, dryers, and washing machines at night when it’s cooler.
• Switch to LED Bulbs: Incandescent bulbs give off more heat than energy-efficient LED options.
• Unplug Electronics When Not in Use: Chargers, televisions, and other electronics emit heat even when turned off but plugged in.

Small behavior changes and appliance upgrades can significantly reduce indoor heat accumulation.

6. Create a Strategic Ventilation Routine

Effective ventilation keeps air fresh and can help control humidity and temperature to help keep your home cool in summer.

• Cross-Ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides of your home to allow cooler air to flow through and push hot air out.
• Nighttime Ventilation: When temperatures drop in the evening, open windows and use fans to bring in cooler air, then close them during the day to trap that air inside.
• Dehumidifiers: Moist air feels hotter. A dehumidifier can make your home feel more comfortable without adjusting the thermostat.

By managing air exchange intelligently, you can improve comfort while minimizing your dependence on mechanical cooling systems.

7. Landscaping for Shade and Comfort

Your home’s surroundings can significantly affect how much heat it absorbs.

• Plant Trees Strategically: Trees that shade your home, especially on the south and west sides, can reduce indoor temperatures significantly.
• Install Trellises or Vines: Growing greenery near windows or exterior walls can block radiant heat.
• Light-Colored Ground Coverings: Replace heat-absorbing asphalt or dark rocks with lighter surfaces that reflect sunlight.

These long-term investments in landscaping create a natural buffer against summer heat.

8. Stay Ahead of Emergencies with Stone Heating and Air

There’s no worse time to deal with a broken air conditioner than during a heatwave. The good news? Preventive maintenance from Stone Heating and Air can help you avoid emergency repairs and stay comfortable all summer.

When you schedule a seasonal HVAC inspection, you get:

• Peace of mind that your system is prepared to handle hot weather
• Greater system efficiency and a longer equipment lifespan
• Recommendations for upgrades like smart thermostats, ductless mini-splits, or high-efficiency AC units
• Priority service and faster response times if an issue does arise later

Our experienced technicians are trained to diagnose potential issues early, saving you from discomfort, costly repairs, and high utility bills down the road.

Enjoy the Summer with Stone Heating and Air

Keeping your home cool in summer heat involves more than just setting the thermostat. A combination of airflow strategies, insulation, heat-blocking measures, and appliance management can significantly enhance your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

Remember, your best defense against the summer heat is to schedule a professional HVAC maintenance visit with Stone Heating and Air before the hot weather arrives. We’ll ensure your system is clean, efficient, and reliable so you can enjoy a cool, stress-free summer.