Andy Lyons
25.06.2024 - 01:33 / thespruce.com
Since heat naturally rises, most homes with a second story face unbearable temperatures in the summer months. This can make your surroundings almost impossible to lounge in or sleep in (after all, who likes sleeping in buckets of sweat?)
Luckily, there are things you can do to beat the heat indoors this summer that are affordable and easy to implement in your home.
We spoke to two HVAC experts for their best tips on keeping the upstairs cool all summer long.
Stacy Zarin Goldberg
While it can be tempting to pop a frozen pizza in the oven for an effortless lunch or knock out laundry early in the day, both experts suggest saving appliance usage for the hours after sunset, if possible.
«Any heat-generating appliances you use, such as clothes dryers, ovens, and dishwashers, will generate heat within the home,» Rob Terry of Terry's A/C & Heating says. «If you know it is going to be a hot day, try to time using those appliances after the heat of the day.»
Whether you have central AC that doesn't fully cool an upstairs room or you need a system for a room that doesn't have AC, a portable air conditioner can be the solution to staying cool this summer on your top floor.
«Portable air conditioners can be used in specific rooms that tend to get the hottest, providing targeted cooling without overworking the central AC system,» Aaron Traub of Benny's A/C & Heatingsays.
Portable AC units are a great investment if you're struggling to reach comfortable temperatures upstairs in the summer. They're a budget-friendly option for the extra air your space needs, but another system Terry says works just as well is a ductless mini split.
«Investing in a mini-split system can make a very big difference in your comfort,» Traub says.
If a cup of coffee (or several!) are part of your morning or afternoon routine, it's likely that you've tossed a lot of grounds. Coffee grounds are actually full of organic matter and are wonderful to add to the compost pile to create a nutrient-rich amendment. There have been some misconceptions about used coffee grounds and whether it's a good idea to add them directly to your soil, and your houseplants.
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Anyone who appreciates a cute front door knows what a great first impression a beautiful color makes. That's why selecting the perfect color to don your door can be a big task—but thankfully, we have some expert help.
Confession time: my green thumb is completely nonexistent. I struggle to keep the beautiful flower bouquets I bring home alive for as long as I can remember.
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Any bird enthusiast will tell you that one of the biggest joys is seeing wild birds enjoy backyard feeders that have been lovingly hung and stocked with birdseed. Alternately, nothing can feel more frustrating than when birds aren’t using your bird feeder.
This article is republished from The Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting. Read the original article.
If you ever looked around your home and wondered what you can do to improve your design, look no further. The space might not be begging for an extensive renovation or a major furniture overhaul—it can simply come down to styling.
Planting fast-growing evergreen shrubs in your landscape is an easy way to create a privacy screen, reduce noise, and add beauty to your space. Evergreens provide year-long foliage so you don't have to worry about losing leaves in the late fall and winter seasons. Plus, many evergreen shrubs are native to the Southern region and provide food and habitat for bees and birds. Consider these expert recommendations for fast-growing evergreen shrubs to grow in your yard.
Growing vines is a fun way to add foliage and colorful flowers to archways, fences, posts, and trellises in your yard. Vines add depth, dimension, and texture to a landscape and create a visually appealing space. Choosing fast-growing vines means enjoying the beauty of the season quickly and often longer, whether it's the pretty leaves, blooms, or both. Plus, many vines attract important pollinators, such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Garden experts recommend their favorite vines to grow that will quickly transform your garden.