9 Hacks to Keep Your Memphis Home Cooler This Summer

Summer is synonymous with barbecuing, hanging out by the pool, and basking in warm temperatures. Most Memphians will crank up the air conditioner to avoid melting in the summer sun. However, this option comes with higher utility costs and can cause your AC to overwork, leading to cooling system issues and repairs.

Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer the heat just to save money. Mr. Handyman of Memphis has some alternative ways to cool down your house without overburdening your air conditioner and running up your energy bills.

1. Keep Blinds/Shades Closed

Direct sunlight will usually come from the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. So, windows that face those directions tend to be hotter, and you’ll notice rooms facing east and west are potentially warmer. A simple way to keep these areas cool is to close the blinds. You can stop UV light from filtering through your windows and preserve furniture, hardwood floors, and painted walls from sun damage.

2. Double-Check Insulation

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s temperature data, 2020 is the second-warmest year on record. This means your home could get hotter if you don’t take specific precautions, including double-checking insulation.

Ensure you have enough insulation in the following areas:

• On your attic access door
• Unfinished attic or basement
• Exterior walls between garages and storage areas
• Vented crawl spaces
• Foundation walls in finished basements

3. Seal Windows and Doors

Just as you can have cold drafts in the winter, heat is likely coming in from every nook and cranny. You could be losing up to 30% of cooling energy through even the smallest gaps in windows. And while it’s virtually impossible to seal every hole or crack, you can start by looking at your windows to ensure they’re sealed adequately.

Store-bought caulking product works perfectly for resealing gaps in windows. Be sure to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) before use.

Additionally, heat-resistant window film can also reduce the heat entering your home and regulate temperatures overall. On the flip side, window film can insulate windows in the winter to keep heat from escaping.

4. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

The great thing about modern technology is that it makes our lives so much easier and more convenient. A programmable thermostat can be installed to set a specific temperature and ensure your house stays comfortable while you’re out running errands or on vacation. Some programmable thermostats are so intuitive they can be controlled from a smart device. As an annual 10% cost saver, we believe it’s worth investing in a thermostat you can set and forget.

5. Build an Awning

Awnings add dimension and curb appeal to your home, and according to The Department of Energy, they also help you save on energy costs and reduce heat by up to 65% for west-facing windows and 77% for east-facing windows. We recommend installing a retractable awning on a backyard deck or patio, so it can be rolled up in the winter. While awnings keep out the sun in summer, they do the same in the winter and can increase heating costs.

6. Open Interior Doors

When you turn on your AC to circulate cool air throughout your home, some rooms may take longer to cool down, like the living room or kitchen. One way to keep cool air in these spaces is to open smaller rooms that are already cool. This will help cold air flow more freely throughout your home, regulating the temperature and avoiding imbalances that result in an overworked cooling system.

7. Install a Ceiling Fan

If you don’t currently have a fan in your bedrooms, now is the time to install one. As long as you have electrical wiring running through the room, you can replace a light fixture with a ceiling fan to further help cool air circulate.

8. Choose Breathable Fabrics

You don’t always have to employ some high-tech innovation to stay cool inside your own home. Sometimes, it’s a matter of being strategic and mindful about your fabrics. Most people know that cotton is a breathable material. Still, there are various other fabrics to help you stay cool in Memphis, including:

• Nylon – We know what you’re thinking, “Nylon is a synthetic fabric! It’s not breathable at all!” However, you’re only partially correct. Nylon alone isn’t a breathable fabric; however, certain blends (such as NyCo, a nylon-cotton blend) are more breathable than others.
• Rayon – Rayon’s thin fibers make it exceptionally breathable, light, and airy to wear during hot weather. The difference between rayon and cotton is that rayon repels moisture, whereas cotton absorbs it.
• Polyester – Polyester sheets on your bed are a breathable and durable option to keep your bed cool on hot summer nights. This synthetic fabric is lightweight and also popular in sports and activewear. The catch is to ensure what you’re getting is 100% polyester blend, or you could lose breathability.
• Cotton – As we said, cotton is a well-known breathable fabric that’s soft and durable. Most of the clothes in your closet are made with a certain percentage of cotton. The only downside to this material is it tends to absorb moisture, so sweat and odors can linger.
• Linen – The only breathable fabric that can rival cotton is linen, with its water-resistant capabilities and durability. The only disadvantage of linen is it wrinkles very easily, but it’s still an ideal option for summer.

While these materials won’t necessarily keep your home cool, they are useful as furniture fabric and curtains to improve heat absorption inside a room.

9. Install Heat-Absorbing Window Film

Try heat-absorbing film first instead of spending hundreds on replacing old windows with heat-resistant ones. This alternative blocks radiant heat and makes it easier for your air conditioner to cool down your home evenly and adequately. You can improve your energy savings by blocking up to 80% to 100% of natural heat. Heat-absorbing film keeps heat out in summer, but it also helps retain up to 55% more heat during colder months.

We Can Install, Repair, or Replace Items that Help You Keep Your House Cool in Summer

Mr. Handyman of Memphis has a dedicated team of tradesmen ready to assist you with professional handyman services and repairs. With an average of 10 years of experience, we partner with Memphians to complete various installation and home improvement projects that keep homes cool during those scorching Memphis summers.

Whether you need our team to help you install a new thermostat or assemble a custom dresser to store all your breathable summer fabrics, we’re here for you!