Discover 10 effective ways to make homes cooler in the summer.
Living in Texas means facing some serious summer heat, and keeping your home cool during those scorching months is a top priority. I’m Chris Bishop, founder of Bishop Builders, and with over 30 years in construction here in North Texas, I’ve seen firsthand how the right choices in home design and maintenance can make all the difference when it comes to beating the heat.
I’m sharing ten practical and effective ways to keep your Texas home cool when the temperatures climb. From smart design features to everyday adjustments, these tips will help you enjoy a more comfortable and energy-efficient home, even during the hottest days.
Window Coverings: Your First Defense Against the Texas Heat
When it comes to keeping your home cool in the Texas heat, your windows play a big role in controlling how much sunlight—and heat—gets inside. The right window coverings can make quite a noticeable difference, helping to block out the intense sun and keep your home comfortable.
These small changes not only improve your comfort but also help lower energy bills by reducing the strain on your cooling system.
Upgrade to Blackout Curtains or Thermal Shades
For an extra layer of protection, consider blackout curtains or thermal shades. These are designed to block almost all sunlight from entering your home, significantly reducing heat gain. Thermal shades also provide insulation, helping to keep the cool air inside and reducing the workload on your air conditioner.
Blackout Curtains are ideal for bedrooms or media rooms, these curtains keep light and heat out, creating a cool and comfortable space. Thermal Shades are made with insulating materials trapping cool air inside and keeping hot air out. They’re a smart choice for any room in your home.
Choose Light-Colored Coverings
If you don't like the look of blackout types of curtains, or want to let in more natural light, choose light-colored blinds, curtains, or shades to reflect sunlight. These materials bounce the sun’s rays back outside rather than letting them heat up your rooms. This is especially helpful for windows that get direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.
Close Window Coverings During Peak Sunlight
Timing is everything. To get the most out of your window coverings, close them during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This helps block out the heat before it has a chance to warm up your home. If you’re out during the day, close the curtains or blinds before you leave to ensure your home stays cooler while you’re gone.
Invest in Window Film
If you want to take things a step further, consider adding reflective window film. This is an affordable way to block UV rays and reduce heat gain while still allowing natural light to come through. It works especially well on large windows or glass doors.
Insulation: The Key to Keeping Your Texas Home Cool
When it comes to battling the extreme Texas heat, proper insulation is one of the most effective tools in your arsenal. Good insulation works like a protective barrier, minimizing heat transfer and keeping your home cooler during the summer.
Insulation isn’t just for summer. It works year-round to regulate your home’s temperature, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. By reducing the strain on your HVAC system, proper insulation helps lower energy bills and extends the life of your heating and cooling equipment.
Insulating the Attic
The attic is one of the primary culprits for heat infiltration, as it absorbs the sun’s rays directly. Installing high-quality insulation in the attic can prevent this heat from seeping into your living spaces. Look for materials like spray foam, fiberglass batts, or blown-in cellulose for effective coverage.
Adding a radiant barrier to your attic is an excellent way to reflect heat away before it enters your home. This reflective material works best in homes exposed to prolonged sunlight, which is common in Texas.
Wall Insulation
Heat can also transfer through poorly insulated walls. Ensure your exterior walls are properly insulated with materials like foam board, spray foam, or fiberglass. Blown-in cellulose is great for filling hard-to-reach spaces in walls. For older homes, consider retrofitting insulation where it might be missing or outdated.
Windows and Doors
Windows are another common area for heat transfer. Insulate around window frames and consider double-pane or energy-efficient windows to reduce heat gain. Weatherstripping and caulking are simple yet effective ways to seal gaps and keep cool air inside.
Maximizing Airflow: A Must for Cooling Your Texas Home
When battling the sweltering Texas heat, keeping the air moving inside your home is crucial for effective cooling. Proper airflow not only helps distribute cool air evenly but also prevents heat from building up in problem areas.
By maximizing airflow with fans, ventilation, and smart strategies, you can keep your Texas home cool and comfortable, even during the hottest months. Whether it’s setting up ceiling fans correctly or installing attic ventilation, these small changes can lead to big improvements in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Use Fans Strategically
Make sure your ceiling fans are set to rotate counterclockwise during the summer. This pushes air downward, creating a breeze that makes you feel cooler without over-relying on your air conditioner. Install ceiling fans in key areas like bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens to circulate cool air throughout your home.
Position portable fans near windows or vents to help draw cool air into the room or push warm air out. Use them in smaller spaces or rooms that don’t have ceiling fans for added circulation.
Exhaust Hot Air
Removing hot air is just as important as circulating cool air. Exhaust fans are a great way to get rid of heat in areas where it builds up. Cooking generates a lot of heat, especially when using the oven or stovetop. Turn on the exhaust fan to draw out hot air and prevent it from spreading to other parts of your home.
Bathrooms can become hot and humid after a shower. Using the exhaust fan helps expel heat and moisture, keeping your home cooler and preventing humidity buildup.
Improve Attic Ventilation
Hot air often gets trapped in the attic, raising the temperature of your entire home. Installing attic ventilation systems can help draw out this hot air and prevent heat from seeping into your living spaces. Attic ventilation fans actively pull hot air out of your attic, making your home cooler and reducing the strain on your air conditioner.
Ridge vents, soffit vents, or gable vents allow hot air to escape naturally while bringing in cooler outside air. These are low-maintenance options that improve airflow without using electricity.
Sealing Air Leaks: Keeping Cool Air In and Hot Air Out
Sealing air leaks is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency. Even small gaps around doors, windows, and electrical outlets can allow hot air to sneak in and your precious cool air to escape. This not only makes your air conditioning work harder but also drives up energy bills. By addressing these leaks, you can keep your home cooler and save on cooling costs.
Doors and Windows
Check for gaps around the edges of doors and windows where air might be slipping through.
Look for cracks in the window frames or places where old weatherstripping may be worn or missing.
Use caulk to seal in window frames. Apply adhesive-backed weatherstripping along the edges of doors and windows. For larger gaps, use foam tape or V-strip weatherstripping, which compresses to create a tight seal. Add or replace door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors to stop air from sneaking in underneath. Adjust or install thresholds to close gaps at the base of doors.
Electrical Outlets and Switches
Exterior walls with outlets and switches are often overlooked but can be a source of leaks. Feel for drafts around these areas, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on exterior walls. These inexpensive covers are easy to install and block drafts effectively.
Attic Access Points
If you have an attic hatch or pull-down stairs, these can be major sources of air leaks.
Warm air from the attic can seep through unsealed gaps, raising the temperature in your home. Use weatherstripping or foam insulation to seal around attic access points.
Baseboards and Floors
Check for gaps along baseboards or where flooring meets walls. These small cracks can allow air to flow in or out, impacting your cooling efficiency. Use caulk to seal cracks around baseboards,
Plumbing and Utility Pass-Throughs
Inspect areas where pipes, cables, or vents pass through walls or ceilings. These gaps are often left unsealed and can let in a surprising amount of warm air. Use exterior-grade caulk to seal cracks where plumbing or utility lines enter the home. For bigger gaps around plumbing or utility pass-throughs, expanding foam sealant is a quick and effective solution. Trim the foam after it hardens to ensure a clean finish.
Using Natural Ventilation
You can use natural airflow to help cool your home without overworking your air conditioner. In Texas, cool evening breezes can be a lifesaver when the daytime heat starts to fade.
Create Cross-Ventilation
One of the simplest and most effective ways to cool your home in the evening is by setting up cross-ventilation. This means opening windows on opposite sides of your house to let the air flow through. The breeze enters on one side and exits on the other, naturally pushing warm air out while bringing in fresh, cooler air. This setup works even better if the windows are at different heights, as cooler air tends to sink and warmer air rises.
Position Fans Near Windows
For an extra boost, place portable fans near windows to draw the evening air into your home. Box fans or oscillating fans work great for this purpose. Set them to pull in air on one side of the house and push it out on the other, reinforcing the cross-ventilation effect. This can help cool down your space faster and more efficiently.
Use Screens to Keep the Bugs Out
If you’re opening windows in the evening, make sure you have good-quality screens installed. They’ll let the cool air in while keeping mosquitoes and other pests out—a must in Texas.
Pair with Ceiling Fans
Combine your natural ventilation efforts with ceiling fans for an even cooler effect. Set your fans to rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze and keep the fresh air circulating.
Energy-Efficient Cooling: Beat the Heat Without Breaking the Bank
When it comes to staying cool in the Texas heat, investing in energy-efficient cooling systems is a smart way to keep your home comfortable while keeping energy costs in check. With the right setup, you can enjoy a cooler home without worrying about sky-high utility bills.
Choose a High-SEER Air Conditioner
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, pay attention to the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficiently your system uses energy to cool your home. In Texas, where the A/C gets a serious workout, a unit with a high SEER rating can make a noticeable difference on your electric bill.
In North Texas, aim for a unit with a SEER rating of at least 16 or higher for optimal performance. Bonus Savings: Many energy-efficient units qualify for rebates or incentives, so check with your utility provider or local programs for potential savings.
Optimize with a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a simple yet powerful way to get more out of your cooling system. These devices let you set schedules for your A/C, so you’re not cooling an empty house when you’re away.
Program your thermostat to raise the temperature a few degrees while you’re at work and lower it again before you get home. This reduces energy use without sacrificing comfort.
Shading Your Home: A Smart Way to Beat the Texas Heat
Adding shade to your home is one of the best ways to cut down on heat gain and keep things cooler inside. With the right strategies, you can not only make your home more comfortable but also ease the strain on your air conditioner and lower your energy bills.
Plant Trees Strategically
Adding trees around your home is a simple and natural way to provide shade where it’s needed most. Plant deciduous trees on the east and west sides of your home. These trees provide shade in the summer and lose their leaves in the winter, letting in sunlight when it’s cooler.
Use trees to shade patios, decks, and other outdoor living areas, making them more enjoyable even on hot days. Choose fast-growing species like live oak or cedar elm that thrive in the Texas climate. Position them carefully to avoid roots interfering with your foundation or utilities.
Install Awnings for Extra Shade
Awnings are a practical way to block direct sunlight from hitting your windows and heating up your home. Retractable awnings give you flexibility to provide shade when you need it and retract them during cooler months to let in sunlight.
Fixed awnings are great for areas that receive consistent sun exposure, like south-facing windows. Look for materials designed to withstand the Texas heat, such as metal or UV-resistant fabric.
Build Pergolas or Shade Structures
Adding pergolas or shade structures over patios and outdoor spaces can create a cooler environment and help block sunlight before it reaches your windows. Pergolas can be customized with slats, lattice, or even climbing plants to provide varying levels of shade.
Patio covers offer more consistent shading and protect outdoor furniture from sun damage. These structures not only provide shade but also add value and visual appeal to your home.
Window Films: A Simple Solution to Beat the Texas Heat
When it comes to keeping your Texas home cool, heat-reducing window films can make a big difference. These films block a significant amount of solar heat while still allowing natural light to filter through, so you don’t have to sacrifice brightness for comfort. They’re an affordable, easy-to-install option that can help cut down on heat gain and take some of the load off your air conditioner.
How Window Films Work
Window films are designed with special coatings that reflect sunlight and reduce UV rays entering your home. By cutting down on solar heat, they prevent your windows from turning into heat traps during the hottest parts of the day. Many films also block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, which can help protect your furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading over time.
Easy Installation and Maintenance
One of the best things about window films is how simple they are to install. Many are available as DIY options, but professional installation ensures a seamless application for larger windows or more complex designs. Once installed, window films are virtually maintenance-free—just clean them with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner to keep them looking great.
Cooling Outdoor Spaces to Beat the Texas Heat
Keeping the outdoor areas around your Texas home cool doesn’t just make them more enjoyable—it can also help reduce heat buildup that radiates into your home’s interior. By lowering the temperature in your patio, yard, or other outdoor spaces, you create a more comfortable environment that can have a cooling effect indoors, too.
Install Misting Fans or Systems
Misting fans and systems are excellent tools for combating the Texas heat in outdoor areas. These systems work by releasing a fine mist of water into the air, which evaporates quickly, creating a cooling effect.
Misting fans are portable and versatile, misting fans can be placed on patios, decks, or near seating areas to provide instant relief from the heat. Permanent misting systems can be mounted along patio edges, pergolas, or fences to provide widespread cooling.
Use Shade Sails and Outdoor Umbrellas
Shading outdoor spaces is one of the simplest ways to keep them cooler. By blocking direct sunlight, you can reduce the temperature of patios, decks, and other outdoor areas.
Shade sails are fabric structures that can be installed over seating areas, playgrounds, or even pools. They’re available in various sizes and colors and provide a modern, functional way to reduce heat.
Large umbrellas are a flexible option for creating shaded spots. Place them over tables or lounge chairs to make these areas more comfortable during the day. Not only do shaded areas feel cooler, but they also prevent heat from radiating off hard surfaces like concrete or stone, which can help reduce heat transfer to your home.
Utilize Heat-Resistant Materials and Colors:
Incorporate heat-resistant materials and colors into your home's design to combat the intense Texas heat. Opt for light-colored, reflective roofing materials that help deflect solar heat. Use heat-resistant paint on exterior walls to minimize heat absorption. Choose light-colored and breathable fabrics for upholstery and curtains to create a cooler atmosphere indoors.
With these ten effective methods, you can keep your Texas home cool and comfortable even in extreme heat. Stay cool and beat the heat in Texas!
