When temperatures soar in the San Fernando Valley and Westside, your first instinct might be to throw open every window and door in your house. But what if we told you that’s the worst thing you can do?
Why Your Cooling Strategy Might Be Backfiring
Living in areas like Canoga Park, where summer temperatures can be brutal, most of us have been there. The mercury rises, and we desperately start opening windows, hoping to catch a breeze. We turn on every fan we own and pray for relief. But according to door and window expert Joseph Holman, CEO of Green Doors, this approach actually makes things worse.
The “Caveman Method” Explained
Holman suggests we should “think of it like a cave” when trying to cool our homes. This simple idea, which we’re calling the “caveman method,” is based on basic science that many of us overlook.
“A cave is cool in heatwaves because it is dark and doesn’t have direct sunlight or a direct entrance for the heat,” Holman explains. “You want to probably mimic that.”
Here’s how it works: Instead of opening windows and doors to invite air in, you do the opposite. Keep everything closed during hot weather. Even if you think an area of your house is shaded and cooler, opening a window or door still brings hot outside air into your home.
How to Apply This Method in Your Home
The caveman method is surprisingly simple:
Keep all doors and windows closed during the hottest parts of the day. This prevents hot air from entering your home, even from shaded areas.
Reduce sunlight exposure by keeping curtains and blinds closed. Think of your home as a sealed, dark cave.
Turn off unnecessary lights to avoid adding extra heat inside your house.
Block air movement from outside to inside. Just like you wouldn’t open windows when running air conditioning (to avoid wasting cool air), you shouldn’t open them when it’s hot outside either.
Why This Works Better Than Traditional Methods
The logic is simple but powerful. When you open windows during extreme heat, you’re essentially inviting hot air into your home. Even if there’s a slight breeze, that air is still much warmer than the air inside your sealed house.
This method works especially well in areas like the Conejo Valley, where temperatures can climb well above comfortable levels. By treating your home like a cave, you’re using the natural insulation properties of your walls and roof to keep the heat out.
Long-Term Solutions for Valley Residents
While the caveman method works great for immediate relief, there are also long-term improvements you can make to your home:
Window film can be applied to reflect heat away from your windows. This upgrade is particularly useful for homes in sunny areas like the Westside.
Integral blinds can be installed without changing your entire windows. These are built into the glazing units and offer better temperature control than regular blinds.
Modern glass has superior reflective qualities that can significantly reduce heat transfer.
Roller blind canopies provide excellent protection from direct sunlight hitting your doors and windows.
MightyServ Can Help
The next time temperatures spike in the San Fernando Valley, resist the urge to open everything up. Instead, seal your home like a cave and keep that hot air where it belongs – outside. Your comfort (and your energy bills) will thank you.
Remember, this method works best when combined with other cooling strategies. If your air conditioning system needs attention, consider scheduling an AC tune-up to ensure it’s running at peak efficiency.
Stay cool, San Fernando Valley – and remember, sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones.
Ready to beat the heat? Call us at (818) 348-4768 or schedule service online to keep your home comfortable all summer long.
