When temperatures soar in the Quad Cities, your first instinct might be to throw open every window and door. But here’s the shocking truth: you’re actually making your home hotter.
Summer in eastern Iowa and western Illinois can be extremely hot and humid. One day you’re enjoying perfect weather for a barbecue along the Mississippi River, and the next day you’re sweating through another scorching heat wave. We’ve all been there…desperately opening windows, hoping for a cool breeze that never comes.
But what if we told you there’s a better way? A method so simple, yet so effective, that it’s been keeping people cool for thousands of years.
The Cave Method: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Heat
Door and window expert Joseph Holman has a game-changing approach. He calls it thinking of your home “like a cave.”
Here’s how it works: caves stay cool during heat waves because they’re dark and don’t allow hot air to flow through them. Your home can work the same way.
Instead of opening windows and doors, do the opposite. Keep everything closed when it’s hot outside. This keeps the warm air where it belongs, outside your home.
“You want to reduce sunlight and stop the movement of outside air inside,” Holman explains. “Even switching off the lights will help.”
Think about it this way: if you had air conditioning running, you wouldn’t open your windows because you’d be wasting cool air. The same logic applies in reverse. When you open windows during a heat wave, you’re letting hot air pour into your home.
Why This Works in the Quad Cities
Our area faces unique challenges during the summer heat. The humidity from the Mississippi River can make temperatures feel even hotter. Additionally, the large windows in many Quad Cities homes can become heat magnets when the sun is beating down.
Even if you think a shaded area of your house will bring in cooler air, you’re still inviting hot air inside. The temperature difference is just not enough to make it worthwhile.
Long-Term Solutions for Quad Cities Homes
The cave method works great for immediate relief, but you can also make changes that will keep your home cooler all summer long:
Window Improvements: Tinted film on windows reflects heat before it enters the home. Modern glass also has better heat-blocking qualities than older windows.
Smart Blinds: Integral blinds can be installed without changing your whole window. They last longer than outdoor blinds and won’t get damaged by our Iowa and Illinois storms.
Shade Solutions: Roller blind canopies keep direct sunlight away from your doors and windows.
When to Call the Professionals
Sometimes the cave method and window treatments aren’t enough. If your home still feels like an oven, it may be time to inspect your cooling system.
That’s where TMI comes in. As a locally owned company serving the Quad Cities, we understand the unique challenges of keeping homes comfortable in our climate. Whether you need AC repair on your existing system, are considering AC installation for a new unit, or want to keep your current system running efficiently with regular maintenance, our experts can help you stay cool without breaking the bank.
We’ve been helping families and businesses in eastern Iowa and western Illinois stay cool for years. From simple repairs to complete system replacements, we have the knowledge and experience to keep you comfortable all summer long.
Stay Cool This Summer
Don’t wait for the next heat wave to hit before trying these tips. Start treating your home like a cave today, and you’ll be amazed at how much cooler it stays.
And remember, if you need professional help keeping your Quad Cities home comfortable, TMI is here to help. We’re your local experts in heating, air conditioning, and energy efficiency – ready to help you beat the heat and save money doing it.
Ready to make your home more comfortable? Call us at 563.900.8788 or schedule service online.