Most people can’t wait for summer. They love the sunshine, warm weather, and outdoors. But, it can also mean humidity and uncomfortable temperatures, especially in July and August here in Ontario. Staying cool during the summer is important, but it can also be costly. Many homeowners see an energy bill spike during the summer months. Running your air conditioner regularly during the summer months adds up. In this blog, we are going to talk about 10 tips to keep your room cooler in summer.
Rather than cranking up the AC to stay cool, there are many eco-friendly and budget-friendly options. Many of them have to do with your windows. While many people think about air conditioners and fans to keep cool, your windows can also be used as a cooling method for any room in your home.
Why Are Windows So Important To Keep Your Home Cool?
Most people think about the AC when it comes to keeping your home or a room cool during the summer. Your windows are just as important of a consideration. They are a prime place for heat to get into your home. When sunlight shines through your windows it also transfers heat into your home and affects the indoor temperature.
We’ve all heard our parents tell us to keep the door closed so we don’t let the cool air out during the summer. The same principle applies to windows. If we don’t cover or protect the windows in a given room, the temperature will be affected.
10 Tips To Keep Your Room Cooler In Summer Using Your Windows
Want to keep cool during the summer without breaking the bank? Air conditioning is not your only option. Here are 10 great tips to keep your room cooler this summer using your windows:
Keep Your Blinds Closed During The Day
Keeping your blinds closed on your windows is a quick and easy way to minimize the effects of the sun’s rays on your indoor temperature. Simply close them each morning and keep them closed as long as possible during the day, especially when it’s warm or sunny outside.
Keep in mind that not all blinds are created equally. Some will be more effective than others in minimizing heat transfer through the window. Higher-quality reflective blinds can significantly cut down the amount of heat that is transferred through your windows. This will keep your room a few degrees cooler, especially when the temperature reaches its peak.
Crack The Window Open At Night
Opening your window at night is a highly effective way to cool down your home, especially if you don’t have AC. Open your windows after the sun has gone down and the temperature has taken a dip. The simple act of opening the windows will let all the hot air in your room out. This is particularly effective on the second and upper levels of your home.
Opening the window increases air circulation. Cooler air will circulate through your home and help to lower your indoor temperature. You can open multiple windows to create a cross breeze and get air flowing.
But, make sure you close your windows in the morning, ideally before it starts to warm up outside. If you forget you could be right back where you started.
Use Your Curtains
Spending a little extra money on higher-quality thermal curtains can make a big difference. They will provide you with an extra layer of protection against outdoor temperatures. Use them with blinds and other window coverings. Choosing the right colour curtains is important. Don’t go too dark or too light. Choose a colour in the middle of the spectrum. Plus, curtains are a great accent décor item that can complement your room design.
Install Low E Window Film
Window film can be installed on your windows to provide you with an extra layer of protection against the outdoor elements. Low E window film is a thin metallic layer that is applied to the window surface. Its purpose is to help reflect the sun’s rays and energy, helping to reduce the impact of exterior factors on your indoor environment. You can also have this included in new windows when you replace your windows. There are several types of Low E coating. Speak with our Windows professionals about your options.
Put A Box Fan In Your Window
If you don’t have AC, using a box fan in your window can help you push the hot air out of your home. Rather than using the fan to create a breeze, it can be more effective as an exhaust mechanism. Fans can help you cycle the hot air that enters your home out and keep your indoor temperature down.
Address Air Leaks
Air leaks will have a huge impact on your ability to keep your room cool. The trouble with air leaks is that most of them are difficult to see. You may not even notice them. Even small air leaks can contribute to increasing the overall temperature in your room.
Eliminating air leaks will help to better manage the temperature in your home. Since hot air won’t be able to get in, and cooler air cannot escape, your AC unit won’t have to work as hard. This will also save you money on your energy bill.
Finding air leaks is rather simple. Feel for a slight breeze near the window and door openings. You can quickly seal them using caulk or have a Windows professional do the job for you.
Plant Trees Around Windows For Natural Shade
We all know trees are a great source of shade outside on a sunny day. But, they can also provide your home and your windows with ample shade. Strategically planting trees around your windows will help minimize the amount of direct sunlight that shines into your windows. This, in turn, will help to keep your room a few degrees cooler. Plus, planting trees around your windows is also great for privacy, and security, and can boost your home’s curb appeal.
Don’t Forget To Close Your Doors Too!
Your doors can be just as important as your windows to help keep your room cooler. We’re not just talking about exterior doors. Interior doors are important as well. If your room is cooler than the outdoor temperature, keep it closed to help maintain the room’s current temperature. Also, keep all doors closed to rooms you are not using.
Use A Programmable Thermostat
Even though it’s not windows related, using a programmable thermostat can help greatly. Use it in conjunction with the above cooling tips using your windows and you will have a much cooler indoor temperature this summer.
Lauren Urbanek, a senior program advocate at, the Center for Energy Efficiency Standards, Climate & Clean Energy Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council on nbcnews.com, explains the effectiveness of a programmable thermostat:
“Heat is going to flow from a hotter environment to a cooler one. So, in this case, the heat will want to come from outside into your nice cool house. If you set your thermostat higher so it’s warmer in the day there’s going to be less airflow. If it’s 85 out and you set it to 65, the air conditioner has to work harder. Now if you set it to 78 during the day and set it back [lower] when you get home it may have to work a little harder and run longer … but at the same time, it’s not going to be running all day.”
Upgrade Your Older Windows
If you have older windows, there is only so much you can do to keep your room cool, especially if you have wood-framed, single-pane windows that are not energy efficient. Upgrading to energy-efficient vinyl windows will immediately have a positive effect on your ability to keep your home cooler during the summer. Whether you are looking to replace a couple of windows, or all your home windows, with any style, new windows are a great option to keep things cooler during the summer.
So, these are the top 10 tips to keep your room cooler in summer.
Contact Us To Upgrade Your Windows
Are you thinking about upgrading your windows? It can help you stay cooler during the summer, especially if you have air leaks or other window issues. Energy-efficient windows will help lower your energy costs immediately.
Give us a call at 1-888-880-6827 for a free in-home estimate today! We are happy to provide you with more information about your energy-efficient window options.
Learn More About Energy-Efficient Windows
Get more detailed information about the important role energy-efficient windows play. Check out these insightful blog posts about window myths, when it’s time to replace your windows and much more:
5 Myths & Misconceptions About Vinyl Windows – Debunked
7 Alarming Signs It’s Time To Replace Your House Windows In 2019
5 Ways Your Home Will Get Further Damaged From Window Leaks
5 Reasons You Should Also Upgrade Your Entry Door When Replacing Your Windows
