Proper Insulation

The right insulation throughout a house can help cool the home down by preventing hot air from the outside to permeate into the home. The insulation also helps keep air conditioned homes at a steady temperature as the chilled air is not seeping out. The main areas that need to be insulated include attached garages, attics and second floors. It is imperative when insulating for the purpose of keeping a house cool that all top floor and exposed areas receive the bulk of the insulation, as heat rises and top areas tend to generate heat which can flow down and through the rest of the house.

Energy Efficient Windows

The right windows can go a long way to ensure the cool air inside of your home does not escape through leaky windows. In addition, energy efficient windows also have a tighter seal and thus keep hot air out. This twofold impact of better windows helps to cool your home down and keep it at a temperature that is comfortable.

Window Coverings

Window coverings can be effective in helping to cool down a house. Closing blinds and curtains to help keep the strong and warm sunshine out of the home will go a long way in keeping temperatures down. This works best when you have your home closed up so that central air conditioning or window units can work better.

Air Movement

Keeping in mind that heat rises is one of the ways you can easily and efficiently cool down your house. One way is to use the naturally cooler air in basements and ground floor areas and move that air throughout the rest of the home. Making sure ceiling fans have their blades spinning counterclockwise will help ensure the cooler air from below is pushed upwards to areas that tend to be warmer. You can also, if you have a basement, place fans at the bottom of the stairs in the basement and blow the cool basement air up the stairs to cool down the rest of the house.

by Jennifer Hench, Demand Media

 www.homeguides.sfgate.com/efficient-ways-cool-house-47627.html