Temperatures in the upper 90s and higher are a battle that Texans face every summer. On the hottest days, many people stay indoors as much as possible to beat the heat. Depending on the way a house is built, though, it can be challenging and expensive to keep it cool when the temperature outside rises. Those who are planning on building a home may want to look into features and techniques they can use to design a home with the Texas climate in mind.
Heat can sneak into the home and end up trapped inside if there’s no way for it to escape. This means the air conditioner has to work extra hard to keep the space cool, which runs up energy bills during the hottest months of the year. Instead, with proper building techniques and the right materials, Texans can mitigate a lot of the heat entering their home during the summer and stay cool inside no matter what the temperature is outdoors.
The Heat in Texas and Impact on Homes
Cooler nights during the Texas summer only go down to the mid-70s. Once the sun appears, temperatures can easily reach the mid-90s, and sometimes go higher. Triple-digit temperatures aren’t rare in Texas, and when the temperatures do get too high, it can warm up the inside of the home significantly.
The warmer a home is, the more the air conditioner needs to work to keep it cool. This adds to energy costs and increases wear and tear on the air conditioner. Plus, the air conditioner can only cool the home a certain amount, so if the inside of the home is too hot, the air conditioner isn’t going to get it cool enough to be comfortable.
For this reason, many people are looking into ways to make their homes cooler during the summer months. For those planning on building a home, there are different techniques and materials that can be used from the start to create a cooler and more energy-efficient home.
Face the Right Direction
North to south is the best way for a home to face to reduce heat entering the home during the summer. Why? If the home faces north, it helps to reduce the direct sunlight that comes in through the windows. There is consistent light entering the home during the day, but since the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, if the home faces north, it gets the sunlight without as much heat. A custom home builder can help design the home in such a way that it faces the right direction in most cases. If this can’t be done, there are other design features that can be used to reduce the sunlight entering the home.
Place the Windows Carefully
Window placement does need to be considered carefully. Windows facing east or west are going to receive more direct sunlight than ones that face north or south. Designing the home so that the majority of the windows face north or south can help to orient the windows to reduce heat entering the home. However, this doesn’t mean that windows facing east or west are impossible to add. They just need to be the right windows, and adding shade or curtains can help further reduce the heat transfer into the home.
Install the Right Windows
Basic windows are inexpensive, but they’re going to allow a lot more heat to enter the home. For long-term savings and to help keep the home as cool as possible, it’s best to invest in energy-efficient windows. These windows often have two or three panes of glass as well as insulated frames and other features that reduce the amount of heat that can enter the home. They can also have low-e glass that uses a coating to filter the UV light entering the home, which helps to reduce the heat further.
Use Insulation to Reduce Heat Transfer
Insulation makes a huge difference in how much heat can enter the home. There is such a thing as too much insulation, though, where the benefits don’t outweigh the cost. Insulation amounts can vary based on where the insulation is placed, where the home is located, and other factors. Insulation can be added in the walls and the attic to help reduce heat transfer as much as possible and keep the home cooler. There are different types of insulation, such as fiberglass or cellulose, that can be used to help keep the home as cool as possible.
Pay Attention to Landscaping
How much does the landscaping impact the temperature inside the home? Actually, it can impact it a lot. Concrete surrounding the home can increase the temperatures around the home, which can cause it to be hotter inside. Grass, bushes, flowers, and more will absorb some of the heat, keeping the home cooler. Trees and other landscaping features, like shaded pergolas, can help keep the surrounding area cooler, which can impact the inside of the home, too. It’s better to add natural elements to the landscaping instead of adding more concrete to help keep the home cool.
Add Shade to Patios and Porches
Patios and porches can become unbearably hot during the summer months if there isn’t any shade, and the heat hitting the concrete can make the surrounding area feel hotter. Instead, it’s a good idea to add some shade to the patios and porches so they feel cooler and more comfortable. This also helps to protect the family from being in direct sunlight when they spend time outdoors, protecting their health through the hottest months. For added cooling, consider adding fans to the shaded areas of patios and porches to keep the air moving.
Use the Right Roofing Materials and Colors
The roof matters. Some roofing materials are designed to reflect sunlight, preventing the heat from entering the home. Tile roofing, coated shingles, or metal roofing are all excellent options for new homes, as they prevent some of the heat from getting into the home during the day. It can also be a good idea to choose the right color, since darker colors tend to absorb more heat compared to lighter colors. Custom home builders can help with choosing the right materials and colors for the design.
Install a Dehumidifier
Heat can make the home uncomfortable, but it’s not just the heat. In Texas, homeowners may face high humidity levels inside the home, which can make it feel hotter. A dehumidifier can be used to remove humidity from the air, helping the home feel significantly cooler. When the home is being built, look into dehumidifier options to find the right one for the space.
Choose the HVAC System Carefully
It’s crucial to choose the HVAC system carefully, as this makes a difference in how much energy is used to cool the home and how hard the HVAC system has to work to keep it cool during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for a high-efficiency air conditioner that is properly sized for the home. Consider a smart thermostat to make it easier to adjust the temperature during the day, and make sure the system receives regular maintenance to keep it running. Custom home builders can help with finding the right HVAC system for the home.
Inside the Home: Reduce the Heat
Homeowners often wonder, what are some tips to keep my home cool? There is a lot that can be done inside the home to help keep it as cool as possible no matter what the temperatures look like outside.
- Close the Blinds – During the day, keep the blinds closed to help block out the heat. Thermal drapes or reflective blinds are best.
- Use Fans – Fans can help move air throughout the home, helping it feel cooler during the summer months.
- Cross-Ventilation – When it’s cooler at night or in the morning, open the windows and use fans to push the warm air out and pull cooler air in.
- Reduce Cooking – Avoid using the appliances that generate heat, like the oven, during the hottest parts of the day, as they can add heat to the air in the home. Instead, use these appliances in the morning or evening when possible.
- Clean Air Filters – Cleaning air filters helps maximize the efficiency of the HVAC system, so it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the home cool.
If you’re building a home in Texas, consider the summers carefully and use the tips and techniques here to design the home so it stays as cool as possible during the summer months. Though facing the right direction and using the right windows won’t mean it’s possible to avoid using the air conditioner when the temperatures are in the 90s or higher, it does mean the air conditioner won’t run as much. This helps you to save money in the long run and stay more comfortable in your home. Work with a custom home builder to learn more about the building features designed to help you beat the heat and how they can be incorporated into your home design.
