Running your air conditioner is essential for your indoor comfort and health during the summer. However, it can drive your utility bill through the roof and increase pollution due to an increased burning of fossil fuels by power plants. Below are some natural AC solutions that can cool your home.
Plants
Plants can provide natural air conditioning. Having broad, leafy shade trees outside your house blocks the sun, helping reduce the solar radiation that your house absorbs. Indoors, you can add houseplants that don’t need frequent watering, such as:
- Xerophytes
- Aloe
- Air plants
If you grow such houseplants in window boxes or windows, they’ll block some sunlight and absorb a bit of humidity from your home’s air. Remember: The less humid the air, the more space there is for your body sweat to evaporate, which is your body’s natural cooling mechanism.
Use Shades or Curtains
The solar radiation that passes through your windows can lead to significant heat gain. Blackout shades or curtains help limit sunlight and the warmth that it brings into your home. If you want some sunlight, open the curtains on your windows that aren’t directly facing the sun. For more direct sunlight, you could opt for window tints and solar screens rather than curtains.
Install Ceiling Fans
Fans don’t cool your home’s air. Instead, they enhance your home’s natural airflow, which helps clear your body’s evaporated sweat away. Install ceiling fans and make sure they’re running counterclockwise to pull hot air up and leave the room feeling cooler. Don’t forget to turn the fans off when there’s nobody in the room.
Attic Ventilation and Roof Whitening
Attic ventilation and roof whitening reduce heat gain. Roof whitening reflects heat away from your roof while improving attic ventilation and flushing heat out through your attic.
Remember, these natural AC solutions won’t cool your home as effectively as the traditional air conditioner. You’ll still need to run your AC system. However, these natural AC solutions will reduce your home’s temperature, helping you use less air conditioning. As a result, your air conditioner will consume less power.
By following the tips above, you’ll slash your cooling bills. For more information on natural AC solutions, contact Ace Hardware Home Services. We proudly serve the heating and cooling needs of Dayton-area homeowners.
