Keeping a house cool in extreme heat is no easy feat. New Orleans is an old city, and because of that, sometimes these old houses just don’t get as cool as newer ones. Even though our team at River City Total Maintenance can optimize your Air Conditioning: sometimes it takes a little more to keep an old house cool. Here are 15 ways to keep your home cool without kicking your Air Conditioner into full-gear.

1. Keep Your Blinds Closed
   It may seem simple, but it needs to be said. 30% of unwanted heat comes from your windows. Utilizing shades and curtains can save you up to 7 percent on your energy bill.
2. Invest in blackout curtains
   Blackout curtains block sunlight and naturally insulate rooms where they are installed. Consumer reports recommend neutral colored curtains with white plastic backings. This reduces heat gain by up to 33 percent.
3. Close your doors
   Closing off unused rooms will prevent cool air from permeating these areas during the hottest part of the day.
4. Swap your sheets
   There is such a thing as seasonal bedding, but it’s not just for looks. Textiles like flannel sheets and fleece blankets are for insulation but when it gets hot: switch to cotton. Cotton breathes easier and stays cooler.
5. Set your fans to rotate counter-clockwise
   Yes, your fan needs to be adjusted seasonally as well! In the summer, set your fans to run counter-clockwise and at a higher speed.
6. Start Grilling
   Cooking inside in the dead of summer can be extremely hot. It’s the perfect time to set up your grill and have some outdoor summer fun!
7. Hack your windows
   Open the top section of windows on the downside side of your house and open the bottom section of windows on the upwind side. Another hack is to face a box fan out one window to push hot air out.

If you have tried nearly everything to keep your old home cool and you simply can’t get comfortable, consider calling River City Total Maintenance today!