It’s normal to battle the heat for a few weeks every year, usually in the peak summer months.
In those moments, keeping the AC on a little longer usually fixes things. However, constant indoor heat can make it hard to relax and stay comfortable in your own home.
Here are 10 fixes for a home that’s too hot year-round.
Check Your Attic Ventilation
Many homeowners might focus on the rooms they spend the most time in when figuring out why their house is so hot.
However, your attic can trap hot air like a thick blanket over your home. When that heat has nowhere to escape, it moves down to your living spaces.
Go upstairs to the highest floor and check that your attic venting isn’t blocked by insulation or other items.
You could also call up a professional to inspect the attic.
They may recommend solutions like clearing blocked soffit vents or installing a powered attic fan to improve airflow.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
Windows play a large role in how much heat enters your house.
Older windows with worn seals or single-pane glass let outdoor heat creep inside.
If your windows are outdated and aren’t so energy-efficient, it may be time for an upgrade.
When replacing your windows, choose a contractor who understands your area’s climate and the challenges it brings.
For example, if you live in the Bluegrass Region, find the best window replacement Lexington, KY has to offer.
Local professionals understand Kentucky’s hot summers and changing temperatures, so they can recommend window styles and materials that will provide better insulation and comfort.
Close Curtains During Peak Sun
Sunlight pouring through your curtains warms up any room super fast, especially during the brightest parts of the day.
Large windows facing the afternoon sun can make the interior feel stuffy and uncomfortable.
Use curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight from peeking in. Thicker options, like blackout curtains, provide extra protection and can cool down the room.
Pay attention to which rooms get the most sunlight during the hottest hours.
Make it a habit to go into those rooms and close the coverings before the heat builds up.
Shade Windows from the Outside
Blocking the sun when it enters your home is helpful.
However, stopping it before it even reaches the glass can be even more effective.
Consider adding outdoor shade options near your window, like awnings or strategically planted trees.
These exterior fixes help cool your home by reducing the heat reaching your windows.
The fact that they make the outside of your house look visually appealing is just the cherry on top.
Regularly Clean Air Filters
Your cooling system has to work twice as hard when airflow is restricted.
A dirty filter can collect dust and debris, making it hard for your HVAC system to circulate cool air throughout your home.
This leaves rooms warmer than they should be, even when your thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature.
Make it a habit to clean your HVAC’s filters regularly. Replace them based on the manufacturer’s recommendations as well.
Homes with pets or lots of dust may need to change them more frequently.
A clean filter helps your HVAC system move air more effectively, which dramatically improves how well your home stays cool.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans go two ways: clockwise and counter-clockwise.
Each way has a specific effect on the air’s temperature.
When set incorrectly, your fan might not be doing its best to keep your space cool.
During warmer months, set your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise so they push air downward, creating a cool breeze.
These fans don’t lower your home’s actual temperature, but they do help you feel cooler in a sweltering room.
Choose Heat-Resistant Flooring
Your floors can affect how warm your room feels, especially in areas that get a lot of sunlight.
Some materials, like dark wood, absorb that heat and hold onto it throughout the day. That can make the rooms feel warmer even after the sun moves away.
If you’re updating your floors soon, consider materials that naturally stay cooler, like tiles or stone. These surfaces can create a more comfortable environment while giving your home a fresh new look.
Don’t Use the Oven on Hot Days
Your kitchen can become one of the warmest areas in your home, especially when you’re whipping up a big family meal. Ovens and stovetops can release heat that spreads into nearby rooms.
Open-concept layouts often fall victim to this kind of heat transfer.
If your house already struggles to stay cool, adding extra heat from cooking can make the problem worse.
On noticeably warmer days, stick to backyard cooking and grilling to keep the extra heat outside.
You can also prepare meals ahead of time or choose lighter recipes that need less cooking.
This keeps your home comfy while you still get to cook delicious dishes.
Use a Dehumidifier
High humidity can make a hot room feel even warmer and stuffier because the moisture in the air makes everything feel sticky.
This is especially common in basements and areas with limited airflow.
If your space often feels damp or heavy, consider investing in a dehumidifier to remove that excess moisture from the air.
A good balance of humidity can make your house feel fresher and cooler without adjusting the thermostat.
Dehumidifiers are also fantastic for creating a relaxing bedroom environment where you can rest more easily.
Switch to Breathable Home Fabrics
Some homes stay warm because they’re filled with heavy fabrics.
Thick bedding and plush throws may be comfy to snuggle into during winter. However, when it’s even a little hot out, these fabrics can trap heat and make rooms feel warmer.
Swap in lighter, more breathable fabrics wherever you can.
Linen and lightweight cotton are great choices for bedsheets and blankets if your bedroom feels hot and stuffy. Switch to linen cushion covers on the living room couch, too, just to make it extra breezy.
These fabric switches help every room feel nice and breezy.
Endnote
An overly warm home can make life feel less comfortable year-round.
However, the changes and adjustments above can bring the temperature back under control.
These solutions can help you identify what may be causing that extra heat and make your space feel cooler and calmer.
Your home should be where you unwind comfortably, not the place where you’re constantly searching for the nearest fan.
