One of the pleasures of owning a cabin is occasionally “roughing it.” It’s nice to leave most of the trappings of civilization behind and enjoy the rustic ambience offered by a cabin in the woods. On the other hand, it’s not as if you want to go full caveperson and deal with the challenges and discomforts of the wild. This is especially true when it comes to temperature control. It’s a fact of life that you can sleep better and relax more in a temperature-controlled environment. Here are a few great ways to improve the temperature in your cabin.
Install Ceiling Fans
If you want to keep the temperature consistent, it pays to have fans running and circulating the air in your cabin. Ceiling fans do an especially good job in this regard. They lift cool air while pushing down the warm air. Don’t expect frigid temps as a result, but you will notice an improvement in your comfort levels.
Add a Mini Split System
Without attics or basements, most cabins may not allow a lot of room for large HVAC systems like you have back at home. Mini splits have their pros and cons but are ideal for small spaces. They provide cool and warm air without the need for attic or basement space to store extensive ductwork and furnace/condenser equipment. You can install mini splits up and out of the away, and they are excellent for heating or cooling small areas. You could set up several mini splits for widespread coverage or one unit for a single room, like a rec room or bedroom.
Seal It Up!
Part of preparing your cabin for cold temperatures involves tracking down and sealing up leaks, cracks, and holes where warm and cool air can sneak out. They may be in the walls, ceilings, and floors. Seal them up with caulk, and add weatherstripping around the doors and windows. Up the insulation in your cabin’s ceiling and walls, as well. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor can help you determine the best course of action.
Throwing Shade
If the inside of the cabin is excessively hot, it’s time to fight the sun! Add blinds and blackout curtains to the windows to stave off sunlight and warmth. Add awnings and overhanging roofs above windows outside, as well. Shade trees can take years to grow, of course, but encourage their growth outside the cabin. Doing most of your cooking outside or inside as the season demands is one of the best ways to improve the temperature in your cabin. A warm stove can keep things toasty in winter, while grilling outdoors can keep out the heat in summer.
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