When summer hits Houston, it gets really hot. The kind of heat that sticks around long after the sun goes down. Humidity climbs, energy bills spike, and your backyard starts to look like it’s given up.
If you’re a homeowner in Houston, this isn’t news to you. You know the challenges. What you might not know is how a few simple changes around your home and yard can make a big difference in how you feel this summer and how much you spend trying to stay cool.
In this guide, we’re going to walk through smart, doable ways to prepare your home and backyard for the high heat. You’ll learn how to make your house hold on to cool air, how to get your lawn through the season, and how to enjoy your outdoor space a little more even when the forecast hits 100°F.
Keep the Cool Air Inside
If your air conditioner runs all day but your house still feels warm, chances are that cool air is escaping. Small gaps around windows and doors add up. Warm air sneaks in, and your AC works overtime.
The fix? Start with weather stripping and a tube of caulk. Sealing up leaks around doors and windows only takes a few hours, and you’ll feel the difference almost immediately.
Also, take a look at your attic. Heat rises, and if the attic isn’t insulated well, that hot air builds up and makes the rest of your house feel warmer. It’s worth checking the insulation levels, especially if it’s been a few years.
Let Your Cooling System Work Smarter
Before summer fully kicks in, get your HVAC system checked. A basic tune-up helps it run more efficiently and keeps you from getting stuck with no AC in the middle of July.
And if you haven’t already, switch your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise. That helps push cooler air down and makes a room feel more comfortable without lowering the thermostat.
Smart thermostats are also a good investment. They learn your schedule and adjust the temperature based on when you’re home and when you’re not. This way, you can save 10-15% on cooling bills, or approximately $150-$ 200 per year. It’s an easy way to cut back on energy use without giving up comfort.
Help Your Lawn Handle the Heat
When the temperatures climb, lawns in Houston can go from green to dry and patchy in just a week or two. If your grass seems like it’s always stressed out in summer, you might need a different approach or a different kind of grass altogether.
Start by looking into the best types of grass for Houston. Some grasses simply handle the heat better than others. TifTuf Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine are all popular choices because they’re more drought-tolerant and heat-resistant. They also recover faster after a long stretch of dry weather.
Watering matters too. Aim to water early in the morning so the grass has time to absorb moisture before the sun gets too intense. Watering at night can lead to fungus, and it invites mosquitoes.
When mowing, don’t cut your grass too short. Letting it stay a little taller gives the roots more shade, which helps it stay cooler and hold onto water. And leave those grass clippings on the lawn—they act as a natural mulch, which can help lock in moisture.
Make Your Backyard Comfortable Again
Houston summers don’t have to keep you indoors. With a few changes, you can make your outdoor space much more enjoyable, even when the temperatures are high.
Start with shade. A patio umbrella, a shade sail, or a pergola can drop the temperature in that spot by several degrees. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to block the sun.
If you have a covered porch, think about adding an outdoor-rated ceiling fan. It helps circulate air and keeps things feeling cooler. No porch? A standing misting fan works well too, especially on still, humid days.
Outdoor furniture matters more than people think. Look for light-colored materials that don’t absorb heat. Dark metal chairs, for example, can get extremely hot in the sun. Add cushions or covers that are breathable and made for outdoor use, so they won’t fade or overheat.
Get Ahead of the Bug Problem
Summer in Houston comes with bugs. Lots of them. And once they settle in, they’re hard to get rid of. The biggest issue is standing water. Check gutters, birdbaths, planters, and even toys in the yard. Dump anything that collects water regularly to cut down on mosquitoes.
You can also plant things like citronella, lavender, and lemongrass near your outdoor seating areas. These don’t eliminate bugs entirely, but they do help keep them away naturally.
Fire ants and roaches are another common issue. Treat early in the season before it gets too hot for the best results. And make sure your home’s foundation, doors, and windows are sealed well, so bugs can’t find their way inside.
Simple Ways to Cut Back on Summer Energy Use
With the AC running day and night, it’s easy for energy bills to creep up. But there are ways to manage it. Start by limiting the use of ovens and stovetops. Cooking outside, or using slow cookers and air fryers, keeps your kitchen cooler and makes it easier for the AC to keep up.
Also, try to keep interior doors closed, especially in rooms you’re not using. Direct airflow where you need it, and use portable fans to help keep things moving.
Some energy companies in Houston offer rebates for insulation upgrades and other energy-saving improvements. It’s worth taking a few minutes to check what’s available. You might save more than you expect.
Wrapping It Up
Texas summers are intense, but your house doesn’t have to suffer through it. With the right prep, you can stay cooler, protect your lawn, keep pests away, and even cut down on your bills.
You don’t need to do everything at once. Pick a couple of areas to focus on, maybe the lawn this weekend, then the windows next. Over time, these small improvements add up and make a noticeable difference.
Triple-digit days aren’t going anywhere. But if you prep your home and backyard the smart way, you’ll be ready for them and a lot more comfortable, too.