Already tested out our first round of tips on how to cool your home without air conditioning? Great! If you’re still looking for ways to keep your home comfortable during the dog days of summer, we’ve got eight more energy-saving tricks to help you stay cool, save money, and reduce stress on your cooling systems.
Let’s add to your beat-the-heat scorecard with these smart and sustainable ideas.
🌳 1. Get Help From Your Trees
If you have mature trees near your home—especially on the east and west-facing sides—think twice before removing them. Trees act as natural shade providers, blocking harsh sunlight and reducing solar heat gain during the hottest parts of the day.
Moreover, they help cool surrounding air through transpiration, making your entire yard feel more comfortable.
💨 2. Seek and Seal Air Leaks
Drafty homes aren’t just uncomfortable—they’re expensive. You can identify air leaks by holding an incense stick near doors and windows. If the smoke wavers, there’s a draft.
Seal leaks with weatherstripping, and for a more thorough fix, remove window casing and fill hidden gaps between the frame and rough opening with foam or caulk. After sealing, reinstall the casing for a cleaner look and better insulation.
🌀 3. Switch to a Whole-House Fan
Whole-house fans pull in cool outdoor air at night and push hot air out through the attic. They use significantly less energy than central A/C systems and are easy to install.
However, for this to work effectively, make sure the outdoor air is cooler and less humid than the indoor air. In the morning, close windows and lower the blinds to trap that cool air inside.
🧱 4. Add Insulation to Empty Walls
If your walls are missing insulation, you’re losing energy and letting heat in. An insulation contractor can help by drilling small holes between studs and filling the cavities with one of several materials:
Dense-packed cellulose
Blown-in fiberglass
Slow-rise polyurethane foam (offers the best airtight seal)
Through MASS Save®, homeowners may qualify for up to 75% off insulation upgrades—a big win for energy efficiency.
👉 Click here to get a FREE estimate
🏠 5. Get Your FREE Home Energy Audit
Still haven’t scheduled a home energy audit? Now’s the time! A comprehensive audit assesses your home for:
Air leaks
Indoor air quality
Insulation effectiveness
Combustion safety
Overall energy use
Look for audits that include infrared imaging and blower door tests, so you can see exactly where air is escaping. Follow the auditor’s recommendations closely—they’re trained to evaluate homes in your specific climate.
📦 6. Seal Your Ducts
If your home has forced-air heating or cooling, leaky ductwork may be compromising efficiency. Leaks lower indoor air quality, increase energy waste, and can lead to mold or mildew.
Use HVAC-rated aluminum foil tape (not traditional duct tape) to seal seams and joints. Additionally, insulate ducts that run through unconditioned areas like basements or attics.
⚡ 7. Turn Off the Phantom Load
Even when electronics are switched off, they may still draw electricity. This is known as a phantom load. Devices like printers, monitors, and chargers consume energy while idle.
To solve this, plug devices into a smart power strip or outlet with an occupancy sensor, which turns off unused devices automatically. Your computer will remain active while peripheral devices shut down when not in use.
💡 8. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting
Old-fashioned incandescent bulbs convert up to 90% of their energy into heat. That’s the last thing you want in summer!
Replace them with LED or CFL bulbs, which produce less heat and use a fraction of the energy. Not only will you reduce electricity use, but you’ll also help keep indoor temperatures lower throughout the day.
Conclusion: Keep Adding to Your Home Cooling Toolbox
Now that you’ve added these eight strategies to your cooling toolkit, you’re well on your way to learning how to cool your home without air conditioning. From insulation to trees, and fans to lighting—every action counts when it comes to staying cool and saving energy.
Remember, our team at Coastal Windows & Exteriors is here to help with all your energy efficiency needs. Whether you need better insulation, energy-efficient windows, or help identifying air leaks—we’ve got your back.
📞 Call us today at 978-304-0495
📩 Email Stephanie at svanderbilt@mycoastalwindows.com
🌐 Visit www.mycoastalwindows.com for a FREE consultation
Ready to chill without the bill? Let us help you make it happen.
