3 Tips for Keeping Your Lodi Home Cool in the Summer

Residents of Lodi are no strangers to how uncomfortable the summer months can be.

Just last month, dry weather in combination with the blistering 102.2 degree heat led to fire threats close to Highway 12.

Now, with temperatures still reaching close to 100 degrees this week, more than sixteen libraries across the county are functioning as cooling centers for the public.

However, if you can’t travel out to cool spots, it’s going to be critical that you at least keep your home cool.

In this article, we will examine three ways you can do precisely that and push through this summer.

1. Consider a Mini-Split!

Mini-split systems, also known as ductless air conditioning systems, are widely used worldwide, but they’ve been less common in America.

Central HVAC systems have been the norm for decades despite several drawbacks.

These systems are often installed during the construction of homes, making them a default choice.

However, their widespread use has led to less familiarity with mini-splits, which is shameful.

As Rellaire Smart Home Systems points out, mini-splits allow for zoned cooling.

This means you don’t have to cool the entire house. You can just focus on a certain room.

This is particularly useful in larger homes or rooms with different cooling needs.

They can also be installed in homes without existing ductwork, which makes them great for older or more unconventional homes.

Given the long, hot summers in Lodi, the efficiency of mini-splits can save you significant over time.

However, before you do get one, remember that technicians will often blink when you tell them you want a mini-split installed.

You can find people who know what they are doing, though.

However, they may advertise themselves as general HVAC services in Lodi and not specifically as installers of Mini Splits.

So, make sure you thoroughly check the services they offer.

2. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Thermal and Heat-Blocking Curtains

In Lodi’s hot summer climate, managing indoor temperatures is definitely going to be a challenge.

Thankfully, heat-blocking curtains, also known as thermal or blackout curtains, can play a significant role in keeping your home cool.

They are essentially designed to prevent solar radiation from entering your home.

Thermal curtains are made from thick, dense materials that reflect sunlight and block heat from penetrating windows. They are also cost-effective.

According to Leah Aspinall, head of design at Blinds 2o, these curtains are perfect if your home has large windows or patio doors.

If you feel like investing in these curtains for the summer months is a waste, you would be surprised.

These curtains also keep a room warm during winter because they create dead-air space.

Compared to other cooling solutions like upgrading your air conditioning system or installing new windows, thermal curtains are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

They don’t require any significant renovations and can be easily added to any room with windows.

Perhaps the best part about them is that you can use them in conjunction with other cooling strategies, such as ceiling fans or air conditioning, to create a cooler living environment.

For example, you can open the curtains in the early morning or late evening to let in cooler air and close them when the sun is at its peak.

3. Be Ready and Prepared for Unexpected Power Cuts

If there’s a possibility of a power cut, pre-cool your home as much as possible by running the air conditioning beforehand.

Close blinds or curtains to keep the cool air in. Drink plenty of water to help your body regulate its temperature. If you feel like it’s worth it, consider a portable generator.

Ideally, you also want to be looking at inverter generators.

These are typically quieter, more fuel-efficient, and provide cleaner power, making them ideal for sensitive electronics like computers and phones.

Unfortunately, they are more expensive than conventional options, so keep that in mind.

If you do choose to get one, don’t forget to pick the right size.

You will need to calculate the total wattage of the appliances and devices you need to power during an outage.

Common items include refrigerators (600-800W), lights (60-300W each), fans (70-100W), and computers (300-600W).

Add up the wattage to find a generator that can handle your requirements.

You also have to ensure that the generator is CARB-certified.

If you weren’t aware, California has pretty strict restrictions when it comes to emission standards.

You can use them during PSPS events, and they can make life so much easier.

These generators have a charcoal filter and an EPA spark arrester.

The good news is that they are only slightly more expensive than regular generators, so you don’t have to worry about a high price tag.

All things considered, residents of Lodi need to get ready for some hot days ahead.

Don’t forget to take care of your dependents, which means kids, seniors, and pets as well!

Ensure your kids don’t go out for long in the afternoons, and walk your dog either early in the morning or at night.