It's August, and the temperatures are consistently hitting the upper 80's and 90's. We thought it might be a good time to share this somewhat obvious, but often overlooked homeowner hacks to keep your home cool without laying a finger on the thermostat:

1. Close the curtains, blinds, or shades. When you leave for the day (or during the sunniest hours), keep your blinds closed, especially on south- and west-facing windows, to block up to 76% of incoming solar heat before it enters your home.
   
   
2. Rotate ceiling fans counterclockwise. To force air down and create a cooling breeze, ensure your ceiling fans are set to rotate counterclockwise at a higher speed.
   
   
3. Crack open your windows in the evenings. Utilize natural ventilation by opening your windows when the air outside is cooler than the air inside (usually at night) to let the cool air flow through. Remember to close windows and curtains again before the sun rises to trap that cool air in.
   
   
4. Swap heavy bedding for breathable cotton sheets and lightweight coverlets. Cotton is a naturally breathable, lightweight fabric that helps wick away moisture and body heat, ensuring a cooler, more comfortable night's sleep.

Happy August friends! Got a homeowner tip you can’t live without? Let us know in the comments!