San Antonio is notorious for its blistering summer heat. During the hottest months, finding ways to stay cool indoors becomes integral for comfort and health. But simply cranking up the air conditioning isn’t enough—you need a comprehensive approach to keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank on energy bills. Whether it’s upgrading your shower area for a refreshing escape or optimizing your windows to block out the sun, there are numerous strategies to create a cool oasis indoors.
So, let’s look at nine practical and effective ways to beat the summer heat inside your home.
- Optimize Your Air Conditioning System
San Antonio’s summer heat demands a robust and efficient air conditioning system. The first step in ensuring your AC performs optimally is regular maintenance. Schedule a professional check-up at the beginning of the summer to inspect and clean the unit, replace worn-out parts, and ensure that everything is running smoothly. Replacing air filters is crucial; dirty filters reduce airflow, making the system work harder and less efficiently.
- Upgrade Your Shower Area
Taking long, cool showers is one of the simplest and most refreshing ways to beat the summer heat in San Antonio. However, if your shower area is outdated or inefficient, it might not provide the relief you need. So, go for a shower area revamp! Consider replacing an old showerhead with a newer, more efficient model that offers better water pressure and coverage. Modern showerheads often come with settings that allow you to adjust the flow, providing a more satisfying and cooling experience.
Shower replacement is another option worth considering. If your current shower is small or outdated, installing a larger or more modern shower can enhance your comfort during the hot months. Hiring professionals for shower replacement in San Antonio is crucial to ensure the job is done correctly. They can help you choose the best materials and design to optimize your shower area for the summer.
- Use Blackout Curtains
Keeping the sun out of your home is essential for maintaining a cool indoor environment during summer. Blackout curtains are an effective solution for blocking out sunlight and reducing indoor temperatures. These curtains are made from thick, light-blocking materials that prevent heat from entering your home through the windows.
When choosing blackout curtains, opt for darker colors that absorb light or light-colored ones with reflective backing. Ensure that the curtains cover the windows completely and fit snugly to minimize any gaps where sunlight could seep through. By using blackout curtains, you can significantly lower the temperature in your home, reducing your reliance on air conditioning and keeping your space cooler naturally.
- Invest in Oscillating Fans
Oscillating fans are a practical addition to your cooling strategy, especially when paired with your existing air conditioning system. These fans circulate cool air throughout the room, helping to distribute it evenly and reduce hot spots.
Using oscillating fans in conjunction with your AC can also help lower energy costs. By keeping the air moving, you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort, which reduces the workload on your air conditioning system. The bonus? Reduced bills!
- Seal and Insulate Your Home
Proper sealing and insulation are critical for keeping the heat out and the cool air in. Inspect your home for gaps around windows, doors, and other openings where hot air could enter. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal these gaps, preventing heat from creeping in and cooled air from escaping.
Moreover, make sure your home’s insulation is up to date, particularly in the attic and walls. Proper insulation acts as a barrier against the outdoor heat, helping to keep your home cooler and reducing the strain on your air conditioning system. This not only enhances comfort but also improves energy efficiency.
- Install Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are a game-changer when it comes to managing indoor temperatures efficiently. These devices allow you to control your home’s cooling system more precisely, ensuring comfort while minimizing energy use. With a smart thermostat, you can program your cooling schedule based on your daily routine, automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re not at home to save energy and reducing the temperature just before you return to ensure a cool environment.
- Opt for Light-Colored Decor
The colors you choose for your home decor can have a surprising impact on your indoor temperature. Light-colored walls, furniture, and accessories reflect more light and heat, helping to keep your home cooler during the summer. In contrast, dark colors absorb more heat, which can make your space feel warmer.
If you’re looking to refresh your home for the summer, consider painting your walls in light, airy colors such as white, beige, or pastels. Besides keeping the temperature down, these shades create a welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, opt for light-colored furniture covers, rugs, and curtains to increase the cooling effect.
- Use Heat-Reflective Window Films
Windows can be a major source of heat gain in homes, especially during the intense summer heat in San Antonio. One way to combat this is by applying heat-reflective window films. These films are designed to block a substantial portion of the sun’s heat and UV rays while still allowing natural light to enter your home.
Heat-reflective window films work by reflecting the sun’s rays away from the windows, reducing the amount of heat that enters your home. This not only helps keep your indoor spaces cooler but also protects your furniture and flooring from fading due to UV exposure. Installation is straightforward, and it’s a cost-effective way to improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. By reducing the heat that enters through your windows, you can also reduce the strain on your air conditioning system, leading to lower energy bills.
- Incorporate Indoor Plants
Indoor plants are not just decorative; they also play a role in cooling your home. Plants release moisture into the air, which can help lower the temperature in your home naturally.
Some of the best plants for cooling include ferns, aloe vera, and peace lilies. Strategically placing these plants around your home, particularly near windows or in areas where the sun’s heat is strongest, can help create a cooler and more pleasant atmosphere. Besides their cooling benefits, indoor plants also improve air quality, making your home a healthier place to be.
The Coolest Summer Yet
To stay cool during San Antonio’s intense summer heat, a combination of thoughtful upgrades and practical strategies is essential. Each of these steps helps in beating the heat and enhances the energy efficiency of your home, making it more sustainable. By implementing these tips, you can enjoy a cool, relaxing indoor environment, even on the hottest summer days.
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More Recommended Ebike/Scooters
Check out these other ebikes and scooters I've reviewed:
- Urban Arrow Ebike – Last year, I made one of the largest purchases I’ve ever made – I bought a $9,000 electric cargo bike from Urban Arrow. In my Urban Arrow review, I will discuss what it is and why I decided to buy this bike, as well as discuss how impactful a bike like this can be on your journey to financial independence.
- Troxus Explorer Step-Thru Ebike – The Troxus Explorer Step-Thru is a fat-tire ebike that I’ve had the pleasure of riding for a while now. It has amazing power, great looks, and awesome range. If you’re looking for a great fat-tire ebike that offers a lot for the price, the Troxus Explorer Step-Thru is definitely one for you to consider. Check out my Troxus Explorer Step-Thru Review.
- Hovsco HovBeta Ebike – The HovBeta is a folding ebike with great specs and a lot of interesting features, and importantly, it’s sold at a good price point. I’ve had a blast commuting with it and using it to do deliveries with DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Check out my Hovsco HovBeta Ebike Review.
- Vanpowers Manidae Ebike – The Vanpowers Manidae is a fat tire ebike that I’ve been riding as my primary winter commuting bike and have also been using it to do food delivery with apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. After clocking in a decent number of miles with this ebike, I wanted to write a post sharing what my experience with the Vanpowers Manidae ebike has been like. Check out my Vanpowers Manidae Review.
- Sohamo S3 Step-Thru Folding EBike Review – A Great Value Folding Ebike – The Sohamo S3 Step-Thru Folding Ebike is an entry-level folding ebike that offers a lot of value for the price point. I’ve been riding the Sohamo S3 for a while now, putting the bike through its paces, and I have to say, this bike has exceeded all of my expectations. Check out my Sohamo Review.
- KBO Flip Ebike – The KBO Flip is an excellent bike. I’ve had a great time riding it and think it’s a versatile bike that can be used for a lot of purposes and can fit a variety of lifestyles. It’s worked out great for me as a general commuter bike and as a food delivery bike. Check out my KBO Flip Review.
- Hiboy P7 Commuter Ebike – The Hiboy P7 is an excellent electric commuter bike that’s offered at an affordable price point. The range and speed of this bike are both very good, so you won’t have any trouble getting anywhere you need to go with it. As a food delivery vehicle, this is also good – with how much range it offers, you’ll be able to work all day on a single charge. Check out my Hiboy P7 Commuter Electric Bike Review.
- Himiway Escape Ebike – The Himiway Escape is an interesting bike for anyone looking for a moped-style ebike. If you’re a gig economy worker, the Himiway Escape is particularly interesting and it’s possible to think of it as an investment, especially if you can opt to do deliveries with the Himiway versus using a car. It’s not cheap, but you can definitely make your money back when you compare the mileage you’ll put on your car versus using an ebike. Check out my Himiway Escape Bike Review.
- Espin Sport Ebike – The Espin Sport is a good ebike for someone who is looking for an ebike that feels and rides more like a regular bike. There are many ebikes that are really only bikes in name. In reality, they’re basically electric mopeds. The Espin Sport, by contrast, is a bike you could probably ride without the battery and you’d feel like you’re just riding a regular bike. Check out my Espin Sport Review.
- Varla Eagle One Scooter – The Varla Eagle One is an excellent scooter that can make sense for a lot of people. It can work as a primary mode of transportation. You can use it to work on gig economy apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. And it can also be a recreational vehicle if you’d prefer to use it for that. Check out my Varla Eagle One Review.
- Varla Falcon Scooter – The Varla Falcon is an excellent scooter that offers a good amount of power at a lower price point compared to more powerful scooters. It’s not exactly an entry-level scooter, nor is it a high-powered scooter. I think it fits somewhere in-between those two categories – an intermediate scooter if I had to give it a category. Check out my Varla Falcon Review.
- Hiboy S2 Scooter – The Hiboy S2 is an excellent entry-level commuter scooter that's perfect for someone looking to save some money in transportation costs and improve their commute. Check out my Hiboy S2 Review.
- Hiboy S2R Scooter – The Hiboy S2R is one of the more interesting electric scooters I’ve been able to test out. It’s not a high-powered scooter, but for an everyday transport option, it’s very useful, especially given some of the unique features that it has. Indeed, for the price, the Hiboy S2R might be the best value scooter I’ve used. Check out my Hiboy S2R Review.
- Fucare H3 Scooter – The Fucare H3 is a fun scooter and I’ve enjoyed testing it out. For a daily commuter or quick trips or errands, the Fucare H3 is probably the scooter I’ll use. It’s portable and easy to maneuver, so it’s just easier to take on the road when I need it. Check out my Fucare H3 Scooter Review.
More Recommended Investing App Bonuses
For additional investing app bonuses, be sure to check out the ones below:
- M1 Finance ($100) – This is a great robo-advisor that has no fees and allows you to create a customized portfolio based on your risk tolerance. You also get $100 for opening an account. Check out my M1 Finance Referral Bonus – Step-By-Step Guide.
- SoFi Invest ($25) – SoFi Invest is an easy brokerage account bonus that you can earn with just a few minutes of work. Use my SoFi Invest referral link, fund your SoFi Invest brokerage account with just $10 and you’ll get $25 of free stock. I also have a step-by-step guide for the SoFi Invest referral bonus.
- Webull (20 free stock shares) – Webull's current promotion gives you 20 free shares valued between $3-$3,000 each if you open an account using my referral link. Here’s a guide I wrote about how to earn your free shares using Webull.
- Moomoo (15 free stocks) – Moomoo is a free investing app currently offering 2 different referral bonuses if you open an account using a referral link. Read my Moomoo referral bonus guide for more information.
- Robinhood (1 free stock) – Robinhood gives you a free stock valued between $2.50-$225 if you open an account using my referral link.
- Public (1 free stock) - Public gives you a free stock valued between $3-$70 if you open an account using my referral link.
More Recommended Bank Account Bonuses
If you’re looking for more easy bank bonuses, check out the below options. These bonuses are all easy to earn and have no fees or minimum balance requirements to worry about.
- Upgrade ($200) – Upgrade is a free checking account that’s currently offering a $200 referral bonus if you open an account and complete a direct deposit. These bonus terms are easy to meet, so it’s well worth doing this bonus as soon as you can. Here’s a post I wrote with more details: Upgrade $200 Referral Bonus – Step By Step Directions.
- Ally Bank ($100) – Of all the banks out there, Ally is, without a doubt, my favorite. At the moment, Ally is offering $100 to customers who open an eligible Ally account and meet the requirements. Here are the step-by-step directions to earn your Ally Bank referral bonus.
- Fairwinds Credit Union ($175) – Fairwinds Credit Union is offering a referral bonus for users that sign up using a referral link. Fairwinds has no fees or minimum balance, so this is a particularly easy bonus to earn. Since this is a smaller credit union, my gut instinct tells me this offer won’t be around long, so if you’re in a position to meet the bonus requirements, grab this bonus before it’s gone. Here is my step-by-step guide on how to earn your Fairwinds Credit Union bonus.
- Chime ($100) - Chime is a free bank account that offers a referral bonus if you use a referral link and complete a direct deposit of $200 or more. In practice, any ACH transfer into this account triggers the bonus. This bonus is easy to earn and posts instantly, so you’ll know if you met the requirements as soon as you move money into the account. I wrote a step-by-step guide on how to earn your Chime referral bonus that I recommend you check out.
- US Bank Business ($900) – This is a fairly easy bank bonus to earn, since there are no direct deposit requirements. In addition, you can open the Silver Business Checking account, which comes with no monthly fees. Check out how to earn this big bonus here.
- GO2Bank ($50) - GO2Bank is an easy bank bonus that I recommend people take advantage of if they have an easy way of meeting the direct deposit requirement. I like that it’s easy to open the account and that the bonus pays out quickly. Check out my step-by-step guide on how to earn your GO2Bank $50 referral bonus.
- Current ($50) – Current is a free fintech bank that’s offering new users a $50 referral bonus after signing up for an account using a referral link. Current is an easy bonus to earn and also gives you access to three savings accounts that pay you 4% interest on up to $2,000. That means you can put away up to $6,000 earning 4% interest. That’s very good and makes Current an account I recommend to everyone. Check out my step-by-step guide on how to earn your Current Bank bonus.
- Novo Bank ($40) - Novo bank is a free business checking account that’s currently offering a $40 bonus if you open a Novo business checking account using a referral link. In addition to being a good bank bonus, Novo is also a good business checking account. It has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements and operates a good app and website. Indeed, it’s the business checking account I currently use for this blog. Check out my post on how to easily open a Novo account.
- Varo ($25) – Varo is a free fintech banking app similar to Chime or Current. It’s currently offering a $25 bonus to new users that open a new Varo account with a referral link. The bonus for this bank is very easy to meet, all you need to do is spend $20 within 30 days of opening your Varo account. Check out my step-by-step guide to learn how to earn this bonus.
Kevin is an attorney and the blogger behind Financial Panther, a blog about personal finance, travel hacking, and side hustling using the gig economy. He paid off $87,000 worth of student loans in just 2.5 years by choosing not to live like a big shot lawyer.
Kevin is passionate about earning money using the gig economy and you can see all the ways he makes extra income every month in his side hustle reports.
Kevin is also big on using the latest fintech apps to improve his finances. Some of Kevin's favorite fintech apps include:
- SoFi Money. A really good checking account with absolutely no fees. You'll get a $25 referral bonus if you open a SoFi Money account with a referral link, and an additional $300 if you complete a direct deposit.
- 5% Savings Accounts. I'm currently getting 5.24% interest on my savings through a company called Raisin. Opening a Raisin account takes minutes to complete, it's free, and all of your funds are FDIC-insured. I explain how it works, why I'm now using it to store my emergency fund and any other cash savings I have, and why I recommend everyone check it out in this review.
- US Bank Business. US Bank is currently offering new business customers a $900 signup bonus after opening a new account and meeting certain requirements.
- M1 Finance. This is a great robo-advisor that has no fees and allows you to create a customized portfolio based on your risk tolerance. You also get $100 for opening an account.
- Empower. One of best free apps you can use to monitor your portfolio and track your net worth. This is one of the apps I use to track my financial accounts.
Feel free to send Kevin a message here.
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