Window Tips That Work - How to Keep Homes Cool Without Air Conditioning 

A little smart planning and a few simple hacks can keep your home cool without air conditioning. 

Closing the doors to rooms you aren’t using keeps hot air from entering your house, and sealing gaps around windows and doors with weather-stripping or caulk helps. Changing to energy efficient LED lighting is another simple but effective move. 

Window Coverings 

When summer temperatures rise, many homeowners rely on air conditioning to keep their homes cool. However, running your AC nonstop during a heat wave can raise your utility bills significantly. Window treatments can reduce energy costs while enhancing your home’s style. 

Window blinds and curtains are simple ways to control light, glare, and temperature. Look for drapes that flow from floor to ceiling, and choose fabrics with thermal linings for extra insulation. 

Horizontal slat blinds can be adjusted to block direct sunlight and reduce solar heat gain. Cellular shades are also a smart choice for controlling heat transfer and lowering energy bills. They have a pocket construction that slows heat transfer, so your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard. Installing an awning over east and west-facing windows will help shield your home from the sun’s intense rays as well. 

Blinds 

Using the right window shades and fans to encourage air flow can cool homes significantly. And by replacing incandescent bulbs with energy efficient lights, residents can lower electricity consumption and costs. 

Close the blinds on windows facing the sun during the hottest parts of the day to deflect the solar heat. This is one of the most inexpensive and simple summer hacks to keep homes cool without AC. 

Open the windows at night and in the morning to allow cooler air to flow in. If the house is insulated, closing doors between rooms will help trap this cool air. Use weather stripping and caulking to seal the leaks around movable doors and windows, as well as stationary frames. This will save energy and money all year round. 

Curtains 

On hot summer days, cranking up the air conditioning may seem tempting, especially when your energy bill has spiked. But it's important to remember that high energy use associated with cooling homes contributes to greenhouse gas

emissions and global warming. 

Use curtains to help reduce heat and sunlight entering the home. Curtains can be made of any fabric, but thicker fabrics are best at blocking heat. Consider using layered curtains - a solid curtain behind light-colored or sheer curtains can further enhance insulation. 

Also make sure to keep doors closed and use draught excluders so cool air stays in and hot air doesn't escape. Unplug electronics that generate heat, and switch to LED bulbs that emit less heat. When you're using a fan, set it to rotate counter-clockwise in the summer to push air down and create a cooling effect, and clockwise in winter to pull cooler air up. 

Curtain Rods 

Keeping curtains, blinds and shades closed during the hottest times of day deflects the sun's radiant heat. This simple passive cooling strategy reduces energy usage while keeping homes cooler. 

Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal air leaks around movable window and door frames, as well as stationary walls and other cracks. This will keep cool air from escaping and hot air from sneaking into your home. 

At Lowe's, we offer a variety of curtain rods that are perfect for updating any room. Choose from brushed nickel options, or look for metal rods with decorative ends like faceted ball finials and rope twist patterns that contrast or match the rod material. We also carry a wide selection of tiebacks and ring clips for hanging your curtains. 

Fans 

Adding a ceiling fan to your home can reduce temperature and energy usage. Ideally, a fan should be used in rooms that are occupied most of the time, like bedrooms and living rooms. For the best results, choose a model that has a damp rating for use in bathrooms and kitchens, which tend to fill with moisture. 

A window fan can be a great cooling option if you strategically place it in your home's windows. Timing is important; you'll want to open your windows in the evening when it is cooler outside, so that a cross-breeze can cool down your house. Wisconsin replacement windows may be able to assist with replacing or upgrading windows for better energy efficiency. 

Remember that even appliances like refrigerators and laundry machines generate heat, so unplug them when not in use. Also, switch to LED bulbs, which generate minimal heat and consume very little energy.