5 Tips to Keep a House Cool in the Summer

Small changes. Big comfort. Real results.

When the summer heat rolls into Martha’s Vineyard, our instinct is often to crank up the AC. But keeping your home cool doesn’t have to mean higher energy bills or constant reliance on machines.

Whether you’re a year-round resident or here for the season, these simple tips can help keep your home naturally cooler, more comfortable and more efficient.

1. Use blinds and curtains strategically

Sunlight is beautiful, but it’s capable of turning your living room into a greenhouse.

To reduce indoor heat, keep blinds, curtains or shades closed during the hottest parts of the day (usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Light-colored window treatments can reflect sunlight and help lower the indoor temperature naturally.

2. Take advantage of natural ventilation

Open windows during the cooler hours (early morning and late evening) to let fresh air circulate.

Pairing open windows across the house creates cross-ventilation that helps move hot air out and cooler air in.

Pro tip: place a fan near a window at night to pull in the breeze.

3. Cook smart

Ovens and stoves generate a lot of heat.

Opt for no-cook meals, use the grill outside or try using appliances like air fryers, microwaves, or slow cookers that produce less ambient heat.

Cool meals, cool kitchen.

4. Switch to energy-efficient lighting

Traditional incandescent bulbs release around 90% of their energy as heat.

Replacing them with LED bulbs reduces indoor heat and energy use. It’s a small upgrade with big payoff — for comfort and cost.

5. Insulate for long-term temperature control

All the surface tricks in the world won’t help if your home isn’t properly insulated.

Quality insulation helps maintain a stable indoor temperature, keeping warm air out in summer and in during the winter.

It reduces the strain on your cooling systems and creates a more balanced, quieter, and energy-efficient home.

Looking to live the best part of the summer?

Let’s talk about the best insulation for your home.