Simple fixes that help the house handle summer heat
Ceiling fans, tight door seals, good window coverings and working exhaust fans all help a single-story ranch home handle Rosemead's summer heat. None of them replace air conditioning, but together they make rooms noticeably more comfortable. Start with the west-facing rooms.
Summer in Rosemead brings long stretches of hot days. Single-story ranch homes have large roof areas and attics that heat up, and older windows let in plenty of sun. Routine repairs can help.
Door and window seals
Hot air and dust come in through gaps. Replace worn weatherstripping and door sweeps, and make sure windows close fully and latch.
Exhaust fans
Bathroom and kitchen fans remove moist, hot air. If yours are noisy or weak, replacement fans are quieter and move more air.
Outdoor shade
Shade sails, patio umbrellas and awnings help. Shade sails need strong anchor points; we can install mounting hardware into solid framing.
Rosemead summers
The San Gabriel Valley heats up from June through September, with many days in the 90s and heat waves above 100. Rosemead ranch homes from the 1950s and 1960s were built before modern insulation standards, and many have single-pane windows. A few practical fixes can make rooms more comfortable and lower cooling costs.
Air conditioning
Change or clean air conditioner filters at the start of summer and every one to three months during heavy use. A clogged filter reduces airflow and strains the system. Keep the outdoor condenser clear of leaves and plants, with at least two feet of space around it.
Have the system serviced if it is not cooling well. Window units should have clean filters and seal well in the window.
Windows and shades
West- and south-facing windows let in the most heat. Close blinds or curtains in those rooms during the afternoon. Solar screens on the outside of windows block heat before it reaches the glass.
Exterior awnings help too. Light-colored, lined curtains reflect heat.
Blinds, shades and curtains on south and west windows block a lot of afternoon sun. We install rods, brackets and blinds so they hang level and work smoothly.
Fans
Ceiling fans make a room feel cooler by moving air. Set them counterclockwise for summer. Whole-house fans pull cool evening air in through open windows and push hot air out through the attic, which works well on nights when the temperature drops.
See ceiling fans in ranch house bedrooms.
Air leaks
Weatherstripping doors and caulking gaps around windows keeps cool air in. Check attic hatches, which often have no weatherstripping or insulation. See weatherstripping exterior doors.
Attic ventilation and insulation
Attics in summer can reach very high temperatures, and that heat radiates into rooms below. Good attic ventilation and insulation help. Check that soffit and roof vents are not blocked. Adding insulation is often one of the best energy upgrades for older homes.
Our steps:
- Replace AC filters and clear the condenser
- Check door and window seals
- Install shades or solar screens on hot windows
- Set ceiling fans to summer mode
- Check attic vents and insulation
- Swap old bulbs for LEDs, which run cooler
Lighting and appliances
Incandescent and halogen bulbs give off heat. LED bulbs use far less energy and run cooler. See LED light fixture upgrades.
Run dishwashers, dryers and ovens in the morning or evening instead of afternoon.
Electrical load
Heat waves strain electrical systems. Running many window units and fans on one circuit can trip breakers. See tripped breakers and dead outlets. Extension cords for window units should be heavy-duty, or better yet, avoided.
Outside
Water lawns and gardens early in the morning to reduce evaporation. Check hose bibs and irrigation for leaks. Shade trees on the west side of the house help a lot over time.
Safety
During heat waves, check on elderly neighbors and keep pets indoors or in shade. Know where cooling centers are; Rosemead and Los Angeles County open them during extreme heat.
Pets and plants
Pets need shade and fresh water. Garages get very hot, so do not leave pets there. Indoor plants near windows may need moving out of direct afternoon sun. Water outdoor plants deeply but less often to encourage deep roots.
Power outages
Heat waves can bring power outages. Keep flashlights, charged phones, and water ready. A battery-powered fan helps. Know how to open the garage door manually if the power is out.
Water heaters and plumbing
Summer is a good time to flush the water heater, check hose bibs and irrigation, and test shutoff valves before heavy water use. See under-sink leaks and supply lines.
Window AC installation
Window units should sit level or slightly tilted outward for drainage, with support brackets for heavy units.
Thermostat
A programmable or smart thermostat raises the setting when nobody is home and cools the house before you return. Setting it a few degrees higher saves energy.
Start the checklist in May, before the first heat wave, when service companies are less busy.
Summer jobs we can take off your list
Fan installs, weatherstripping, blind and curtain installation, bath fan replacement and LED fixture swaps can all go on one quote. See small electrical and mounting and assembly.
When you want it done for you, our electrical repairs page lists the jobs we take and what to send for a quote. More on the houses themselves: repair notes for postwar Rosemead homes.
On the hottest afternoons, a plate of cold noodles from one of the spots on Valley Boulevard is a good way to cool down.
Need a hand with this?
Call or text (310) 628-9399, Mon–Sat 8:30 AM–7 PM. A photo is usually enough for a free estimate.
Call or text for a free estimate