Simple Summer Prep Tips to Keep Your Home Cool and Comfortable

Summer is right around the corner at Ash Street Housing Cooperative, and as the temperatures start to rise, now’s the perfect time to make sure your home stays cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient. The good news? You don’t need major renovations or expensive upgrades to beat the heat—just a few smart, seasonal changes can make a big difference.

Here are several easy ways to prep your co-op home for the summer months—without breaking a sweat.

1. Use Curtains Strategically

One of the simplest ways to keep your home cooler during the day is to block out direct sunlight. South- and west-facing windows especially can heat up a room quickly in the afternoon.

Consider switching to blackout or thermal curtains for the summer. These help reflect sunlight, reduce indoor temperatures, and take some of the pressure off your A/C. Keep them drawn during peak sun hours, and open them in the early morning or late evening to let in natural light and fresh air.

2. Flip the Switch on Ceiling Fans

Did you know your ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise in the summer? This pushes air downward, creating a cool breeze and helping you feel more comfortable without adjusting the thermostat.

Check the base of your fan for a small switch—flip it to change direction. You might be surprised how much cooler a room can feel with the right airflow!

3. Replace Your HVAC Filter Again

Even if you replaced your HVAC filter earlier in the year, now’s a great time to do it again. A clean filter helps your system run more efficiently, improves airflow, and keeps dust and allergens under control—especially important as windows are opened more often in spring and early summer.

As a co-op member, you don’t need to worry about HVAC system maintenance, but changing your filter is a small task that goes a long way in keeping your home cool and comfortable.

4. Keep Humidity in Check

Summer heat often brings with it added humidity. Not only can this make your home feel warmer, but it can also lead to musty smells and excess moisture in basements or bathrooms.

To keep things dry:

• Run bathroom fans during and after showers.

• Open windows for ventilation when the weather allows.

• Consider using a small dehumidifier in areas that tend to get damp.

These simple habits help create a fresher, cooler environment inside your home.

5. Seal Up the Cool Air

While most people think of weatherstripping in the winter, it’s just as important in the summer to keep cool air from escaping.

Check around your windows and doors for small gaps or leaks. If you feel a draft or notice light shining through where it shouldn’t, consider applying removable weatherstripping or a door sweep—both are inexpensive and easy to install, and they help keep the temperature stable inside.

6. Cook Smarter, Not Hotter

Using the oven or stove on hot days can heat up your whole home. Instead, try prepping no-cook meals, grilling outside, or using smaller appliances like a toaster oven or slow cooker. Not only does this keep your kitchen cooler, but it also helps save energy.

Bonus: summer is the perfect time for fresh produce and lighter meals that don’t require standing over a hot stove.

Stay Cool and Enjoy the Season

Summer at Ash Street Housing Cooperative is a great time to enjoy your home, relax in the sunshine, and take advantage of all the season has to offer. With a few simple changes—like adjusting your fan direction, replacing your filter, and sealing up small leaks—you can keep your home cool and cozy all summer long.

And remember: one of the best parts of co-op living is not having to worry about major home maintenance. If you ever notice an issue you can’t fix with a quick trip to the hardware store, just give the office a call and let the maintenance staff take care of it.

Not yet a member of Ash Street Cooperative? Now’s a great time to stop by the office and learn more about available units. With the perfect blend of ownership, low-maintenance living, and community, Ash Street offers an ideal place to call home.