Summer Upgrades: Hot Trends for a Cooler Home This Year

Before summer arrives in full force, it’s wise to prepare your home for the rising temperatures. The right upgrades can help you create a cooler, more comfortable space, ensuring you stay refreshed even on the hottest days. Making these improvements is especially important in cities like Akron, where summers can be intense. High temperatures mixed with humidity can turn a home into an unbearable space without proper cooling strategies. But staying comfortable doesn’t mean you make your air conditioner work overtime. There are smarter, trendier ways to keep your home cool while also enhancing its style. 

Here are the latest trends in home improvement that will help you maintain a relaxed and enjoyable place all season long.

1. Modernizing Your Bathroom: A Must in Akron’s Humid Summers

Humidity can be a major issue during the summer months, especially in cities like Akron, where the combination of heat and moisture can make a bathroom feel stifling. Without proper ventilation, excess humidity can lead to mold, unpleasant odors, and an overall uncomfortable atmosphere. Upgrading your bathroom to combat these issues is a practical and stylish way to enhance your home.

A high-quality ventilation system is one of the best investments for a cooler and fresher bathroom. Modern exhaust fans with built-in humidity sensors automatically adjust to remove excess moisture, preventing mildew growth. 

With Akron’s lower cost of living, homeowners have the opportunity to make some major upgrades, too. A walk-in rain shower, for example, not only adds a luxurious touch but also provides a cooling effect during hot days. However, it’s crucial to ensure that major renovations are handled by a professional Akron bathroom remodeling company. Experts will make sure that plumbing, ventilation, and structural work are done correctly, preventing costly mistakes down the line.

2. Smart Cooling Technology: A Game-Changer for Modern Homes

Cooling your home efficiently is about more than just relying on an air conditioner. The latest advancements in smart cooling technology allow homeowners to maintain an ideal indoor temperature while reducing energy costs. Smart thermostats, for example, learn your daily routines and adjust the cooling settings automatically to optimize comfort. Instead of running the AC at full blast all day, these devices ensure the temperature is regulated based on when you are home and when you are away.

Another popular trend is automated ceiling fans that adjust their speed depending on the room temperature. These energy-efficient fans distribute cool air more effectively and reduce the need for excessive air conditioning use. Some even come with smartphone integration, allowing you to control airflow from anywhere. Portable evaporative coolers have also gained popularity as an alternative to traditional AC units. They use water evaporation to cool the air, consuming far less electricity while providing effective relief from heat. 

3. Energy-Efficient Window Treatments: Keep the Heat Out

Windows play a vital role in regulating indoor temperatures, and the right window treatments can prevent excessive heat from entering your home. Traditional blinds and curtains may offer some relief, but modern energy-efficient window coverings are designed specifically to block out heat while still allowing natural light to filter in.

Blackout curtains, for example, are lined with thermal insulation that prevents heat from penetrating the room. They work especially well in bedrooms, keeping the space cool for better sleep. Solar shades are another smart option, reducing glare while reflecting UV rays away from the home. Unlike traditional blinds, they do not completely block the view, allowing homeowners to enjoy natural light without the added warmth.

4. Heat-Reflecting Roof Coatings: Upgrade for a Cooler Home

Most homeowners do not consider the impact of their roofs on indoor temperatures. But that’s not wise. The material and coating used on a roof can either increase or reduce heat absorption. Traditional asphalt shingles, for example, absorb and retain heat, making the inside of a home much warmer. Heat-reflecting roof coatings, on the other hand, are designed to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it.

These coatings are made from reflective pigments that reduce surface temperatures, helping to keep the home’s interior cool. Some homeowners even opt for cool roofing materials, such as metal roofs with reflective finishes or light-colored tiles that naturally deflect heat. Aside from improving comfort, these upgrades can also extend the lifespan of a roof by preventing excessive heat-related wear and tear.

5. Indoor Plants That Naturally Cool Your Space

Adding greenery to your home isn’t just an aesthetic upgrade. Plants can help keep the indoor environment cooler. Certain houseplants release moisture into the air, creating a natural cooling effect similar to an evaporative cooler. Aloe vera, snake plants, and peace lilies are among the most effective options for increasing humidity and lowering temperatures.

Strategic placement of plants can maximize their cooling benefits. Positioning them near windows can help filter out some of the sun’s heat while placing them in living spaces and bedrooms can make the air feel fresher. Hanging planters or vertical gardens are also trendy ways to incorporate plants without taking up too much floor space.

6. Outdoor Shading Solutions: Extend Comfort Beyond the Indoors

Creating a cool and comfortable home isn’t just about what’s inside. Outdoor spaces can become unbearably hot in the summer, making it difficult to enjoy patios, decks, or backyard seating areas. Installing the right shading solutions can transform these spaces into cool retreats where you can relax without overheating.

One of the most effective ways to create shade is by installing retractable awnings. These offer flexibility, allowing you to extend shade when needed and retract it when you want more sunlight. Pergolas with adjustable slats are another modern trend that provides customizable shade while adding a stylish architectural touch. For a simpler solution, shade sails can be installed in key outdoor areas, blocking direct sunlight while still allowing airflow.

7. Upgrading Insulation: A Long-Term Cooling Investment

Many homeowners associate insulation with winter, but it’s just as important for keeping a home cool in the summer. Proper insulation prevents heat from seeping into the house, reducing the workload on air conditioning systems and maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the day.

Attic insulation is particularly crucial, as heat tends to build up in this space and spread downward. High-quality insulation materials, such as spray foam or reflective barriers, can drastically reduce heat transfer. Insulating walls and crawl spaces also helps regulate indoor temperatures, making rooms feel consistently cooler.

Sealing gaps around windows and doors is another simple yet effective way to improve insulation. Even small cracks can allow warm air to enter. Weatherstripping and caulking are cost-effective solutions that enhance insulation and contribute to energy efficiency.

A cooler home doesn’t have to come at the price of rising energy bills. Small, thoughtful upgrades can transform your living environment, making it feel fresh, inviting, and effortlessly cool. Whether it’s upgrading the way light filters through your windows, the roofing materials that reflect heat, or installing shades for your outdoor retreat, every detail contributes to a more enjoyable summer experience.