This time of year, let staying cool be your rule

That hot weather we’ve all been looking for is still here. Is it just maybe too much of a good thing? Spokane is in the mid-90s-plus. Spokane, last week, according to home thermometers, has already nudged 100 degrees. If you’ve been in the “toasty zone,” during the summer heat, you know the feeling. Things are heating up for sure with more heading our way.

There are ways to combat excessive heat in your home. Following are some suggestions from the Spokane Association of REALTORS® library on keeping your home cool during these warm weather months.

•Believe it or not, nearly one-fourth of your home’s summer heat comes through your windows. That’s a lot of heat to handle, however you can reduce this by shading your windows from powerful direct sunlight.

•The simplest solution is to use interior window shades, curtains or blinds, particularly those with a white or reflective backing that won’t absorb heat. Regularly lowering the shades when the sun is directly on the window can reduce heat gain through a window by some 25 percent. Plus, it can do wonders for your privacy.

•You also might consider awnings or overhanging eaves — especially on southern exposures — to shelter windows from sunlight. Angles come to the front here, too. You may prefer to use eaves because they don’t block desired winter sunlight when the sun’s angle is lower. Special solar shade screens can be of help, too. They will block up to 75 percent of the sun’s rays without obscuring vision. Louvered sun screens are also recommended.

•Lots of folks are updating their windows. If the time has come to replace your glass windows, consider Low-E glass which can minimize unwanted heat. Low-E glass also blocks out more than 60 percent of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays that, over time, can damage carpeting and furniture.

•There’s another way that you may prefer to handle the heat — consider planting a tree that will shade your window. Select a fast-growing or a mature tree that will work for you sooner. It’s a good idea to consult with a local nursery to make certain your choice will do the job you had in mind. This natural shading can cut interior heat by 10 to 15 degrees.

Windows are not the only culprit. Walls and roofs absorb heat as well. On a hot day, your roof surface may reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit and interior attic temperatures may reach 130 degrees.

•You might consider installing a radiant barrier, a special type of reinforced foil that is stapled to rafters or laid over attic insulation. Foil barriers can block about 90 percent of the incoming radiant heat to the attic insulation. This could save about 10 percent on your utility bill.

•If you need to re-roof, consider choosing light colored shingles. They absorb less solar heat. Also, consider light colors when selecting siding or exterior paint colors.

•Air leaks can result in significant heat gain during the summer months. Look for such unwanted air passages around doors and windows and where electrical, plumbing and gas lines enter the home. Caulk around all these areas. Adding insulation to an attic roof or between roof rafters can make a big difference. Check with a local insulation specialist to determine the recommended amount for your situation.

•Even on a tight budget, you can help yourself keep cool. Until the outdoor temperature reaches 85 degrees, circulating the air inside your home can have a remarkable cooling effect. Open doors and windows at sundown and pull in cooler outside air with fans.

•Use room fans to move air around. Portable fans cost about a nickel per hour to operate. It’s a good buy. House fans installed in a hallway ceiling or attic can move 3,000 to 6,000 cubic feet of air per minute, quickly replacing warm indoor air with cooler outdoor air.

•While you can’t control the heat produced by the sun, you can reduce the amount of heat produced indoors. Cooking, bathing and using appliances produce heat. It would help to use appliances in the cooler morning or evening hours an avoid using your stove, if you can. It may be more efficient to use a microwave oven, which not only saves heat but is easy on utility costs.

•If you’re in the market for appliances, look for the energy efficient models. It could be “cool” to consider moving your freezer or washer and dryer to non-air-conditioned space.

Following some of these steps should help you feel cooler this summer. Be cool!