Living in a desert city has numerous perks; you get bright sunny days and the most stunning sunsets. However, when summer arrives, the heat can be unbearable in many ways. Your home should give you a break from this, so here’s how to keep your house in the desert cool and comfortable.
Upgrade Your Air Conditioning System
When desert temperatures rise, an aging or undersized AC can struggle to keep your home comfortable. If rooms stay warm even when the system runs for hours, it may be time for an upgrade.
Have an HVAC professional check your current system and determine what your home needs. If you can, go for a modern, energy-efficient model. For example, professional AC installation in Las Vegas can help homeowners beat the Mojave Desert heat with a cooling system suited to the home’s size and layout. A properly sized unit can keep indoor temperatures more consistent, making scorching afternoons easier to handle.
Invest in Ceiling Fans in Living Areas
Even with the AC running, some rooms can have warm spots when air doesn’t circulate well. Ceiling fans keep air moving, helping areas feel more comfortable. Install fans in rooms where your family spends the most time, such as the living room or family room. During hot weather, set the fan to spin counterclockwise to push cool air downward toward you. Use it alongside your AC instead of cranking down the thermostat.
Install Heat-Blocking Window Treatments
Sunlight pouring through uncovered windows can turn an already warm room into a greenhouse. Heat-blocking treatments reduce the amount of solar heat entering through the glass.
Use solar shades or insulated curtains on windows that receive strong afternoon sun. Choose living room and bedroom blinds that block bright sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Close them before the sun reaches the windows, then open them again when temperatures drop in the evening.
Choose Tile Flooring for Hotter Areas
Hot desert weather can leave some flooring, like hardwood, warm underfoot, especially in rooms that receive direct sunlight. Tile is a more practical choice because ceramic and porcelain tend to stay cool. Consider tile in kitchens, hallways, bedrooms, or any other spot in the house that gets warm. Cool flooring can make bare feet much happier when the home holds onto the day’s heat.
Improve Airflow in the House
Some rooms stay warmer than others when cooled air doesn’t circulate properly. Bedrooms can be especially frustrating when they remain stuffy at night, even though the rest of the house is comfortable.
Have your vents checked for blockages and make sure no furniture is covering them. A strategically placed fan and opening windows when the air is cool can help move air between rooms. You could also ask a professional about improving ductwork and adding vents where needed. These changes can keep bedrooms cool and maintain consistent temperatures throughout the home.
Create a Shaded Outdoor Patio
A beautiful patio can be one of the best parts of desert living, but intense afternoon sun can make it too hot to enjoy. By midday, outdoor furniture can become scorching. If you want to add shade to your outdoor living areas, start with the parts of the patio you spend time in most often.
A pergola, retractable awning, or shade sail can block direct sunlight over seating and dining areas. Make sure it covers all your furniture, too. This makes the patio more comfortable for lounging and enjoying cooler evenings.
Swap Heat-Trapping Hardscape for Garden Space
Large stretches of concrete, stone, or gravel can absorb heat and make it radiate through your yard. That can make outdoor areas hotter and send extra warmth toward your home’s exterior walls. Consider replacing some hardscape areas with garden space using drought-tolerant plants and native ground cover. Choose plants suited to a desert climate so you don’t have to water them as often.
Endnote
Your home can become a refuge from the desert heat with the upgrades above. Cool the rooms that heat up most, and you’ll create a home that stays comfortable through those brutal summer afternoons and warm nights.
