4 Tips for Keeping an Old House Cool & Comfortable in Hot Weather

by Ann Hayward 08/28/2022

Vintage homes are full of charm and character. Unfortunately, if they haven’t had extensive updates, old houses might have poor insulation and other structural issues. While these things may not hinder your ability to live happily in an old house, they can lead to higher utility bills. If you live in an old house without air conditioning, hot weather might be especially difficult. Here are some tips and tricks for keeping an old house cool during the hottest days of the year.

Hang Blackout Curtains

Windows that light up your home are also the leading contributor of indoor heat. However, with older homes the problem may not just be the light but the insulation. Luckily, both things can be mitigated by hanging up blackout curtains. These thick curtains will block the light from coming inside the home and heating it up, but will also help seal the warm air from outside that may sneak in.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Check to see if your ceiling fans are spinning the right direction to deal with hot air. In the summer months, they should spin counter-clockwise in order to move warm air up toward the ceiling and away from the living space. This will also push the cooler air down closer to the ground and make the overall temperature much more comfortable. Typically, you can find a directional switch on the ceiling fan itself or you can use a wall switch if available.

Replace Incandescent Bulbs

Most of the energy from incandescent lightbulbs comes out as heat. If you have built-in fixtures with incandescent lights, you might generate enough unneeded heat to affect the overall temperature in a noticeable way. Check ceiling fixtures, sconces and lamps to investigate what types of bulbs they are using. Swapping out incandescents for LED lightbulbs will save you money and last longer, too.

Open Up at Night

Once the sun goes down and the outside temperature falls, it’s time to open up any doors and windows you can. Let in cool air from outside and promote circulation by making sure you have an open door or window on each directional end of the home. If you don’t have screens for doors or windows, you may install some without damaging the existing molding or walls. To speed up the process, place a box fan in front of an open window or door to blow the outside air in and cool off the home.

You can enjoy the charm and character of a vintage building while still being comfortable in any weather. Try these tips to beat the heat while benefiting from lower energy expenditure at the same time.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]