Glenn Fry’s ditty “The Heat Is On” has been on replay in the heads of homeowners amid the recent soaring temperatures.   Folks everywhere are wondering how to keep their homes cool during the summer heat wave.  Here are some tips to keeping cool while the heat is on:  

1. Zone your cooling by focusing your thermostat for rooms and floors where you spend the most time. Block off rooms and vents for areas of your home that you rarely use.
2. Keep blinds down, curtains drawn, and shutters closed before leaving the house for the day. This simple act rebuffs the heat, especially for south and west-facing windows.
3. Run ceiling fans and house fans to keep air circulating. In fact, by setting your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise at a higher speed, the fan’s airflow will create a wind-chill breeze effect that will make you “feel” cooler. Even running the bathroom fan after a shower will help reduce the amount of heat you’re adding to the home.
4. Avoid running appliances like stoves, dishwashers, washers, and dryers during the height of the day. Reserve these chores for the evening when temperatures are lower.  Consider grilling outside to avoid using kitchen appliances that contribute to hot temperatures in the kitchen.
5. Maintain and maximize your air conditioner. Keeping up with the yearly maintenance and air filter changes (every 4-6 weeks) helps your unit perform at its maximum capacity. During the summer, keep your air conditioner around 75 degrees when you’re home, and 80 degrees when you’re away.  Using a programmable thermostat can help manage the temperatures and keep your unit functioning consistently.

  If you want to think ahead to future summers, the simple act of planting trees around your home, and adding awnings or shutters can help divert the heat.  For now, keep cool with these tips for combating the heat that’s been Hot! Hot! Hot! this summer.