5 ways to turn your home into your personal oasis this summer

Your home should be your retreat from the summer heat so that you can relax and recharge. Check out these five ways to turn your home into the ultimate oasis to stay cool and comfortable all summer long.

1. Draw the curtains and close the blinds

The simplest way to cool down your home is to close the windows, blinds and curtains. While you may want to indulge in direct sunlight inside your home, it continues to heat your space. During the sunniest times of the day, keep your curtains drawn or blinds closed to reflect the heat. You can even buy thermal shades or blackout curtains to keep light and heat from sneaking into your cool spaces.

2. Keep your rooms cool with a window air conditioner

Not all homes have central air conditioning, especially older homes and apartments built without ductwork. Luckily, you can still beat the heat by installing window air conditioners. Window air conditioners are easy to install in most windows and quickly cool down the rooms in your home.

3. Make your bed with breathable sheets

If you have difficulty falling asleep when you feel hot, it might be time to buy lighter, breathable bed sheets. Linen, cotton, bamboo and satin sheets help you regulate your body temperature and are soft to the touch. You can sink into your bed at night and enjoy the cooling comfort of these lightweight, breathable materials.

4. Invest in an air purifier

To ensure optimal home comfort, don't forget to invest in your indoor air quality. High temperatures can lead to poor air quality, increasing the amount of pollution that finds its way into your home every time you open a door or window. By investing in a quality air purifier, you will improve air quality, so you can breathe easier and achieve maximum home comfort.

5. Cook less to cool down

Cooking and baking will quickly heat your home, making it difficult to enjoy your warm meal in a hot dining room. To cut down on how often you need to use your stove or oven, plan meals that require minimal or no cooking, such as salads and sandwiches. If you plan on cooking, try to cook in the morning, the coolest part of the day, and reheat your meals in the microwave. Or opt for using smaller, countertop appliances that won't generate and spread as much heat, like slow cookers or microwave ovens.

One of the best ways to serve up a hot meal without heating your home is to cook outdoors on a grill. Enjoy the sunshine while you grill up some burgers and brats and cool down in your home around the dinner table.

Using these five tips, you can keep cool, escape the heat, and turn your home into a comfortable oasis this summer.