Staying Cool in Heartland: Simple Tips for a Comfortable Summer

When the Texas summer heat hits hard, keeping your home cool and comfortable can be a challenge. However, with a few simple and effective strategies, you can beat the heat and enjoy a refreshing living space. From weatherstripping your windows to smart fan usage and efficient lawn care, here are some tips to help you stay cool for the summer. 

1. Weatherstrip Your Windows and Doors: One of the biggest contributors to heat entering your house is your windows. You might be sitting in your sunlit room thinking, “Am I doomed?” Fortunately, the answer is no! A great place to start is weatherstripping your home. This process seals openings around windows and doors to prevent air leaks. By creating a tight seal, weatherstripping keeps warm air inside during the winter and cool air inside during the summer, maintaining a consistent temperature regardless of the outside. Not only is this an energy-efficient option, but it’s also affordable! New weatherstripping options can be purchased on Amazon or at Lowe’s for $3-$10, covering between 10ft-17ft. It’s even estimated to save up to 20% on your heating bills (source: The Washington Post). For installation, it’s as simple as finding the problem area and applying the weatherstripping around the window or door. For a step-by-step guide, check out this installation video. Plus, it lasts around 5 years, making it a long-lasting solution. 
2. Use Fans Effectively: Fans are a summer staple, but did you know they can sometimes make your room feel hotter rather than cooler? This happens because fans generate heat and don’t actually lower the air temperature. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fans merely circulate air—they don’t cool it. If the air temperature is higher than your body temperature, fans can end up making you feel even warmer. However, you can maximize a fan’s effectiveness with the right placement. Since hot air rises, placing your fan on the floor and pointing it upwards towards the opposite wall can help circulate cooler air throughout the room, rather than just moving warm air around. Additionally, ensure there are no large objects obstructing the fan’s path. This allows the air to bounce off the walls and distribute evenly, creating a more comfortable environment. By optimizing fan placement, you can make the most of their cooling potential and enjoy a more pleasant summer indoors. 
3. Cut the Heat from Daily Activities: Keeping your home cool during the sweltering summer months can be challenging, but eliminating heat-generating activities can make a huge difference. Avoid using ovens, cookers, washing machines, and dishwashers during peak heat hours. Opt for microwaves or slow cookers, which emit less heat and are up to 80% more energy-efficient than ovens, according to the federal government’s Energy Star Program​​​​. Even idle electronics contribute to “phantom” electricity usage, generating heat and wasting energy​​. These simple adjustments can lead to a cooler, more energy-efficient home, keeping you comfortable without cranking up the air conditioning. 

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1. Keep Your Lawn Lush: Maintaining a healthy lawn in summer is crucial, but watering during the day can lead to significant water loss due to evaporation. Rockwall County, for instance, restricts watering from April 1st to October 31st, to only twice a week. Residents can only water before 10 AM and after 6 PM, as these times are the most efficient and cost-effective for watering​​. Watering early in the morning, just before sunrise, is ideal. It minimizes evaporation and prevents issues like fungal growth, pests, and soil erosion caused by nighttime watering​​​​. Adopting these practices ensures your lawn stays green and healthy throughout the scorching summer months. 
2. Enjoy Heartland’s Resort-Style Amenities: Lasty, who knew that the best solution to the heat was in your backyard? For residents of Heartland, summer fun isn’t limited to staying indoors. The Heartland amenity center features 3 resort-style pools with two 30-ft. waterslides, perfect for keeping cool and entertained. For those who prefer indoor activities, the state-of-the-art, 6000-sf, air-conditioned fitness center provides a comfortable space to stay active throughout the day. With amenities designed for all ages, Heartland offers endless opportunities for enjoyment and relaxation all summer long. 

These practical tips can help you maintain a cool and comfortable home throughout the summer. By weatherstripping, using fans wisely, cutting heat-generating activities, and watering your lawn effectively, you can create an energy-efficient and refreshing living space. Plus, Heartland’s resort-style amenities offer plenty of ways to enjoy the summer without staying cooped up indoors. Stay cool and make the most of the sunny season