Keep Your Home Cool the Eco-Friendly Way

Southern California summers are beautiful, but let’s be honest, they can get really hot. If you’re looking to stay cool without sending your energy bill through the roof, we’ve got you covered! At Conrad Tan Realty, we care about your comfort and your footprint, so here are some simple, eco-friendly ways to keep your home cool all summer long:

• Set your thermostat wisely. Aim for about 78 °F when home and up to 82 °F when you’re away. Cranking it below 72 °F might feel good temporarily, but it drives up your energy use and puts stress on your HVAC system.

  
  

• Designate a DIY “cool room.” Close off unused rooms, draw the blinds, and place a fan in a naturally shaded space to create a refreshing retreat.

  
  

• Keep blinds or curtains closed during peak sun hours. Focus especially on west- and south-facing windows. Blackout or reflective coverings work best to block radiant heat.

  
  

• Ventilate at night. When temperatures drop, open your windows to release the day’s built-up heat, a method known as “night flushing.”

  
  

• Use ceiling fans smartly. Set fans to spin counterclockwise in summer. They can make a room feel up to 4 °F cooler, which means you can comfortably raise your thermostat.

  
  

• Seal air leaks and improve insulation. Weather-stripping and sealing small gaps around windows and doors can reduce your cooling costs by up to 15%.

  
  

• Explore passive cooling strategies. Consider cool-roof coatings, evaporative cooling walls, or even strategic landscaping that provides shade, all especially helpful in dry SoCal climates.

With these eco-friendly habits, you’ll stay cool, cut back on energy costs, and help preserve the beauty and resources of Southern California, all while enjoying a more comfortable home.