Survive the Dog Days of Summer With These Home Tips

Did you know that the turn of phrase “dog days of summer” can be traced all the way back to the Roman Empire?

Yup. Augustus Caesar was all too familiar with a blazing sun and a drenched toga. And for some of the new homeowners we’ve had the pleasure of serving recently, we know they're experiencing their first truly sweltering summer in their own homes.

Now's the time when the air feels thick, energy bills soar, and keeping cool becomes a necessity. But don't let the heat get you barking up the wrong tree! Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or just a pup in the property game, we want to arm you with practical tips to survive and thrive during the hottest days of the year.

From maximizing your AC's efficiency to clever landscaping tricks, we'll explore a range of strategies to keep your home cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient.

Keeping Your Home Cool

When the dog days bite, your home's cooling system becomes your best friend. Here's how to make sure it's up to the task:

Your A/C is the “heater” in the fight against heat, so it should be firing on all cylinders. Schedule annual maintenance checks to ensure it's running efficiently and replace filters monthly during heavy use periods.  

Optimize Your Air Conditioning System

For ideal temperature settings, aim for 78°F (26°C) when you're home and awake. Each degree lower can increase your energy bill by up to 3%. Invest in a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day.

Utilize Fans Effectively

When rotating counterclockwise, ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect that can make a room feel up to 4°F cooler. In rooms without ceiling fans, portable fans can direct airflow where you need it most. For whole-house cooling, consider installing a whole-house fan in your attic. These powerful fans can pull hot air out of your home in the evening, replacing it with cooler night air, perfect for a relaxing summer night’s sleep. 

Block Out the Sun

Since your windows are big time culprits for heat-gain, do your best impression of a solar eclipse and use light-colored curtains or blinds to reflect sunlight.  

You could also apply reflective window film, which can block up to 70% of solar heat. 

Create a Cross Breeze

Can you really harness the power of natural airflow?  

Yes! In the cooler parts of the day, open windows to create a cross breeze, also known as cross ventilation. Open low-lying windows on the cooler side of your house and elevated windows on the warmer side. To amplify this effect, place box fans in windows to either pull in cool air or push out warm air. This can help flush out all the day's accumulated heat and bring in fresher, cooler air the whole family will appreciate.  

Reducing Indoor Heat Generation 

When the temperature outside soars, the last thing you want is to turn your home into a fireplace inadvertantly. Here's how to maintain a comfortable indoor environment by minimizing heat generation within your living space: 

Minimize Use of Heat-Generating Appliances 

It doesn’t take much to make your kitchen the hottest spot in the house. Instead of firing up the oven in the middle of July-August, opt for a cooler cooking method.  

Use the microwave, slow cooker, or instant pot for meals. Better yet, bust out no-cook recipes like salads and sandwiches.  

On laundry day, skip the dryer and let your clothes air dry. Not only will this keep your home cooler, but it'll also save energy and extend the life of your garments. Next, swap out old incandescent bulbs for LED lights. They use less energy and generate significantly less heat. 

Unplug Appliances/Electronics When Not in Use 

Many electronics generate heat even when they're not in use. These "phantom" menaces warm your home and sneakily contribute to your electric bill. So, unplug devices or use power strips that you can easily switch off. 

Grill Outside Instead of Cooking Indoors

Take the heat out of the kitchen by firing up the grill. Cooking outdoors keeps that cooking heat where it belongs – outside. Plus, it's an easy excuse for a summer BBQ with the neighbors! 

Use Cold Water for Laundry and Dishes

Whenever possible, use cold water for your laundry and dishes. Modern detergents work well in cold water, and you'll save on water heating costs, too. 

Installing Proper Insulation 

Insulation might seem most important in the winter, but it likewise plays a critical role in summer comfort. Proper insulation keeps the heat out and the cool air in, cutting back the workload for your A/C and lowering energy bills. 

Check Attic Insulation

Attics are also a major source of heat gain, so make sure yours is properly insulated to create a barrier against the sun's relentless rays. Consider picking up a layer of reflective insulation from your local hardware store to bounce heat away from your living spaces. 

Seal Air Leaks Around Windows/Doors

Even the smallest gaps can let cool air escape and hot air seep into your home. Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal these pesky heat highways. Pay special attention to areas around window air conditioners. 

Insulate Hot Water Pipes

Exposed hot water pipes can radiate heat into your home. Insulating them prevents this unwanted heat and reduces energy waste, saving you money year-round. 

Landscape for Cooling

Your yard isn't just for beautiful gardens, curb appeal, or backyard BBQs – it's also a tool for keeping your home cool.  

Plant Tall, Shady Trees

Deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home can provide natural air conditioning. They'll shade your house in summer and allow sunlight through in winter when they lose their leaves. 

For quicker results, install trellises with fast-growing vines near windows and walls. They provide shade and evaporative cooling as the plants transpire. 

Use Lighter Colors for Hardscaping 

The color of outdoor surfaces plays a significant role in heat absorption and reflection. Dark surfaces, such as black asphalt or dark-colored concrete, are heat sponges. They absorb sunlight and radiate that heat back into the surrounding area, contributing to the "urban heat island" effect around your home. 

 To combat this, opt for light-colored materials in your hardscaping choices: 

• Patios: Consider light-colored pavers, limestone, or light-toned concrete. 

• Driveways: If you're installing or replacing a driveway, choose light-colored concrete or light-hued pavers instead of traditional black asphalt.  

• Walkways: For garden paths and walkways, use materials like light gravel, pale sandstone, or white pebbles.  

Prepping for Power Outages 

Summer heat waves can strain power grids, sometimes leading to blackouts. Be ready. 

Have a Backup Power Source

Nobody likes when the power goes out, but it’s especially less convenient if you're a new homeowner. Which is why it’s not a bad idea to Invest in a portable generator or consider a whole-house generator for longer outages.

Ensure it’s properly installed and ventilated. Solar-powered chargers for small devices can also be lifesavers. 

Stock Up on Battery-Powered Fans

Keep a few battery-operated fans on hand. Why? They're portable, efficient, and can provide crucial air circulation if you live in areas prone to summer outages. Don't forget to stock up on batteries too. 

Build an Emergency Kit

Prepare a “power out” kit for family members, kids, and pets with essentials like: 

• Flashlights 

• Extra batteries 

• Non-perishable foods 

• Manual can opener 

• Bottled water 

• First aid supplies 

• Personal hygiene items 

• Cooling towels 

Protect Your Investment This Summer 

Remember: Your home is more than just a place to escape the heat—it's an investment. At Atlantic Bay, we're not just about helping you finance your dream home; we're about empowering you to make that home the best it can be in every season.

A comfortable home is a happy home, and a happy home is a smart investment. If you have any questions about how your home improvements might affect your mortgage or home value, don't hesitate to reach out!