How to Keep Your Home Cooler in the Texas Summer
Long, hot summers are part of life in San Antonio. These upgrades help your home stay comfortable without the air conditioner working overtime.
Photo by Naksha Banwao on Unsplash
Stop heat at the windows
Windows and glass doors are among the biggest sources of unwanted heat. Sunlight pouring through west- and south-facing glass can warm a room quickly, even with the air conditioning running.
- Choose replacement glass with a low-emissivity coating designed to block solar heat while letting in daylight.
- Replace old frames that leak air, and reseal gaps around existing windows and doors.
- Add exterior shade such as awnings, solar screens or a covered patio where the afternoon sun hits hardest.
Cool the attic
Attics in Texas can become extremely hot in summer, and that heat radiates down into the rooms below. Good attic insulation slows the heat, and proper ventilation lets hot air escape. Sealing gaps around light fixtures, vents and the attic hatch keeps conditioned air in the living space where it belongs.
Rethink the roof
When it is time to replace a roof, consider lighter-colored or reflective materials. Many tile, metal and shingle products are designed to reflect more sunlight than traditional dark roofs, which can help keep the attic cooler.
Move the air
- Ceiling fans make a room feel cooler, so you may be comfortable with the thermostat set a little higher. Set them to spin counterclockwise in summer.
- Turn fans off when you leave the room, since they cool people, not spaces.
- Have your air conditioning system serviced before summer and change filters regularly.
Plant for shade
Native shade trees planted on the west and south sides of a home can block afternoon sun for years to come. Choose drought-tolerant species and plant them a safe distance from the foundation, roof and power lines.
Consider solar
Summer air conditioning often drives electricity use, and that lines up with when solar panels produce the most power. Whether solar makes sense depends on your roof, usage and your utility's current rules and rates, so get the full picture before deciding.
Our windows replacement and solar upgrade services can help you plan a cooler home.
This guide is general information, not professional advice for your specific home. Check local codes and work with licensed professionals. See our terms and conditions.
