Get Your Home Summer-Ready (Part 3: Comfort & Airflow Fixes)
Ever walked from your nice, cool living room into a guest bedroom or office that feels like an oven? It’s a common frustration for many homeowners across the Salt Lake Valley. As the Utah sun starts to beat down on places like Herriman and Riverton, those "hot spots" in your house become impossible to ignore.
In Part 1 and Part 2 of this series, we talked about efficiency and exterior prep. Today, we’re diving into the "Comfort & Airflow" fixes that make the difference between a house you tolerate and a home you actually enjoy living in during July.
7. The Airflow Audit: Don't Suffocate Your AC
It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many "broken" AC systems are actually just suffering from poor airflow. If a room feels stuffy, start by looking at your floor and wall registers.
Often, during winter furniture rearranging, a heavy recliner or a thick rug ends up covering a vent. This doesn’t just heat up that room. It can throw off your system’s airflow balance, making your AC work harder and less efficiently. While you're at it, check the registers for dust buildup. A quick vacuuming of the grates can help improve airflow and reduce dust buildup. If you notice your home has weird temperature swings, it might be time for a professional to look for issues like duct leaks, blocked returns, or poor airflow balance.
8. Battling Window Heat Gain
In Sandy and West Valley City, our homes often have large, beautiful windows that let in that gorgeous Utah scenery. Unfortunately, they also let in a massive amount of "solar heat gain." On a 95-degree day, your sun-facing windows act like heat collectors, letting in and trapping solar energy.
If you have a room that stays ten degrees warmer than the rest of the house, it’s likely a window issue. Here are a few fixes:
Blackout Curtains: Keeping them closed during the peak sun hours (usually 10 AM to 4 PM) can noticeably reduce room temperatures, especially in direct sun.
Reflective Film: Applying a UV-blocking film to the glass helps bounce heat away before it ever enters the room.
Weatherstripping: If you can feel heat "bleeding" in around the edges, your seals are shot. Sealing these gaps now can noticeably reduce cooling costs over time.
9. The "Switch of Seasons" (Ceiling Fan Direction)
This is the easiest win in the book, and yet almost everyone forgets it. Look up at your ceiling fan. There is a small toggle switch on the motor housing.
For Summer: Your fan blades should be rotating counter-clockwise. This creates a "wind chill" effect by pushing a breeze directly downward. It won't actually lower the room's temperature, but it makes the skin feel 6 to 8 degrees cooler, allowing you to turn the thermostat up and save money. If your fans are old, wobbly, or just plain loud, replacing them is a small upgrade that makes a big impact.
Get Professional Help for a Cooler Summer
If you’ve tried the DIY fixes and your Magna or Herriman home is still feeling the heat, it might be time for a professional eye. Whether it’s installing more efficient fixtures, repairing damaged drywall around leaky vents, or handling larger comfort upgrades, Your Handyman Pros is here to help.
We are a licensed and insured B100 General Contractor and can handle everything from small repairs to full-scale home improvements. Don't spend another summer hiding in the basement!
Ready to beat the heat? Give us a shout and let’s get your home summer-ready!
