Summertime in the Lowcountry can get hot. That's why many homeowners in the Beaufort area have AC. Whether your home has AC or not, there are things you can do to keep your home cooler and save money on your energy bill. 

Install Ceiling Fans

Installing ceiling fans in your home allows you to use this air circulation to help you stay cool without having to lower the thermostat temperature constantly. This saves you money on energy bills and promotes a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to cooling your home.

During the summer months, running your ceiling fan counterclockwise is recommended. This direction of rotation helps to draw the cooler air upwards, creating a breeze that can make you feel more comfortable. By doing so, you can effectively enhance the cooling effect in your living spaces, making them more enjoyable even on the hottest days.

Close the Blinds

Keep your blinds closed or curtains drawn during the sunniest part of the day if you have windows that receive direct sunlight at any time. Turn your blinds upwards to prevent rays (and heat) from sneaking into rooms on lower floors.

Apply Heat Reducing Film

Approximately 30 percent of ambient heat enters your home through your windows, making window film a quick and easy solution for keeping your home cool. You can even use it in reverse, preventing cold air from entering your house in the winter months - and it's quick and easy to install!

A Programmable Thermostat

By installing a programmable thermostat, you can keep your home cool and save money on energy costs. When you're out of the house all day, your thermostat can be programmed to lower the temperature a few degrees before you get home, so when you arrive, it's comfortably cool without wasting energy.

Give Your Ducts a Boost

With its easy plug-in-and-power-on design, installing a duct booster fan can draw more cool air into a room that’s too hot. Choose the right design for you, place it in the register vent, and plug it in for a quick and easy way to cool your space.

Use Portable A/C

Portable air conditioners are ideal for cooling your home's most used areas. Easily portable, you can use them wherever you need cool air. Seasonal window units can also be installed in the main room to maximize cooling efficiency.

Install a Mini-Split

A mini-split air conditioner is a mix between a built-in unit and a wall unit. It provides whisper-quiet operation, and its compact size won’t detract from your decor. A mini-split system can be mounted anywhere, an economical alternative for ductless homes.

Plant Foliage

Though the payback on this may take a few seasons, planting shade trees and foliage around your home can help stop heat from seeping in through the windows and roof. And the result is pretty, too!

Open Windows at Night

Take advantage of those breezy summer evenings along the coast. Open your windows at night to promote a cross-breeze that will help you and your family sleep better. The cooler air will circulate all night, allowing you to start fresh with a cool home in the morning.

Grill More

Now this is one home cooling tip most homeowners can get behind. When temperatures soar, step outside and grill your meals instead of using the oven, which can raise the temperature of your home considerably. From pizza to roast beef, there are numerous ways to cook a meal on the grill. So get outside and experiment with the best meal options summer has to offer!

Keep Interior Doors Open

Leave your interior doors open, particularly if you lack an open-concept living space. This simple step is critical to keeping your home cool. Open doors allow air to circulate freely, eliminating hot spots and regulating the temperature within your home.

Maintain Your A/C Unit

Even if you’ve got a built-in air conditioner, it may not work at capacity if it hasn’t been maintained every season. Keep up on your A/C's maintenance schedule to avoid any significant issues when you need it most.

Are you planning to buy or sell a home in Beaufort and the surrounding Lowcountry? Contact Sonya Reiselt today to find the latest homes for sale in the Lowcountry. And visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate information.