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It's summer. You sweat in places you never knew you could. Some love it, but others need to find relief. We would have a baby pool in our backyard for my dog because he loved to swim, and well...they get hot too. So how should you keep your family cool in the summer heat of 2025?
Fortunately, the experts say there are things we can do to get relief from the heat and high power bills, too.
- Start with the easy stuff - Using a fan instead of an AC will use less electricity, and if you use a fan with the AC, it’ll keep you extra cool. Make sure ceiling fans are running counterclockwise in summer to create a direct, cooling breeze.
- Change your air conditioner filter regularly - Changing it monthly in the summer will help the unit run more efficiently.
- Watch the temperature - Keep the AC set to 78-degrees when you’re not home and between 70 and 78-degrees when you’re home.
- Make small adjustments to keep your home cool - Like using plants to create shade inside, keeping curtains closed to block sunlight and limiting oven use.
- Turn to your utility company for help - Some have programs to help make homes more efficient in the summer, others offer rebates on more efficient air-conditioners, or give free audits of your home.
- Think long-term solutions - Hotter temperatures are the new normal, so investing in more permanent fixes, like getting better insulation and updating ductwork may be worth it. A smart thermostat can also help, as it lets you remotely control the temperature and it can automatically adjust heating and cooling based on when you’re at home.
Some of these tips sound "Way too easy to work" but your house will feel cooler, you'll feel cooler, and that's the goal here.
How do you stay cool in the summer heat?