Four Non-Air Conditioning Ways to Keep Cool This Summer

There’s no avoiding the heat and humidity in Sarasota. From late May clear through September or longer, we prepare ourselves for hot and sticky days.

Still, while air conditioning (or A/C) seems like the smartest choice, it often comes at a high cost. Many of us have been shocked by the monthly utility bill. It doesn’t have to be that way.

There are many options to keep cool during hot weather while still enjoying all the Florida lifestyle has to offer. Here’s how to do it:  

Use Simple and Easy Tricks

You may have heard that closing your curtains or blinds during the day helps keep out the sun and heat. Along with this truth, other novel ways to reduce home heat include using blackout curtains, closing doors to unused rooms, turning on fans, and more.

Some homeowners swear by switching up bedding in the hotter months. Materials such as flannel and fleece naturally retain heat. While this is great when it’s cold outside, cotton is the best choice for late-spring and summer bedding.

In addition, it’s no accident that Florida pioneers built their homes to create a cross breeze. Especially on windy days, strategically opening windows and doors can drop the temperature inside a home by 10 degrees or more.

Focus on Personal Cooling

Often, it’s easier to cool our own bodies than try to adjust the temperature of the whole home. Particularly in older and larger houses, attaining optimal comfort during the day quickly becomes a losing battle.

Ways to keep your body cool include drinking iced beverages, taking a brief cold shower, swimming in your backyard pool, and more.

In addition, climate control experts recommend replacing the old incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient CFL or compact fluorescent lamps, which emit little to no heat. This creates comfort and saves you money in the long run.

Choose Creative and Affordable Home Improvements

Late spring and summer is the ideal time for outdoor grilling and cooking. It’s a fact that using your oven and even stovetop during the hotter months contributes to the overall temperature inside your home. Cooking and eating outside is fun for kids and other family members. In addition, outdoor entertaining helps you create lasting memories with friends and loved ones. 

Avoid heat from the overhead sun with a latticed pergola, patio cover, pool enclosure, and other options. Spring is also a great time to ensure your windows are in proper working order. Often, windows are the worst culprits when it comes to letting in hot outside air.

For more than 60 years, we’ve been helping Florida homeowners get maximum comfort and enjoyment out of their homes. From shading options to sunrooms, siding, storm protection and security, and more, we offer a wide variety of property enhancement solutions. Contact us today to discover how we can help you get the most of out of the season.