Summer’s fast approaching and you know what that means- It’s time to bring out your bikinis and head on out under the sun! But you know what summer also means? It means a lot of hot days cooped up at home, sweating and counting down the days until it gets colder…
I know how much of a hassle it is trying to stay cool during the summer, especially when you’re trying to save electricity. That’s why I listed down interesting and effective ways you can keep the house cool as the weather warms up, so read on!
How to Keep Your House Cool During the Summer
Ever wondered what it was like having no air conditioner? In the past, people had to be creative and find ways to keep themselves cool without this handy device!
You’ll be surprised that there are many things you can do to dramatically reduce the heat in the house. Here are a few quick upgrades you should consider trying for a cooler home:
Update Your Windows and Roof
For those who have high windows, open them up during the hot weather. If you have double-hung windows, you should open the lower part from the house’s downwind side. Doing so will let the pressure suck in air through the house.
With updated windows, they prevent cool air from going out, along with preventing hot air from coming in. It’s best to have windows that are made with double-pane insulated glass if you can upgrade it. Work with the best to keep your home cool in those warmer months.
Another thing you can do with your windows is to contact Brisbane blinds and have external blinds or operable shutters installed. This also keeps the sun away during the hot weather but will let it come in winter. Plus, they provide more shade and security, besides ventilation.
You can also give your roof a little upgrade by painting it a lighter color for summer. Light colors would reflect the UV rays instead of absorbing them, similar to how snow and ice do.
Quick Lifestyle Changes
If you can’t give your windows an upgrade, you can still help keep them from letting light and heat in with drapes. Use light-colored fabric, which will reflect the sun while keeping them close during the hottest times of the day.
You can also invest in high-reflectivity window film for the windows, a more cost-efficient choice. They can save energy by reflecting the light from the east and west-facing windows.
Other lifestyle changes include unplugging your electronics to reduce heat output and to save electricity. Also, you might want to cook hot food outside, since stoves would bring in too much extra heat during the hot summer days, which means more money spent cooling down the house. If possible, why not cook outside instead with a griller?
Open Up and Let Nature In!
When the temperature lowers down, usually during the evening, then open your windows to cool your home, including its floors and walls.
You can also promote a cooler home by letting nature in. Plant a tree for shade and cooling properties, along with vines, which can shade structures from the sun. Just make sure you plant the right trees and vine made for the house and garden.
Stay Hydrated and Cool Yourself
Don’t just focus on the house, but your body as well! Make sure you stay hydrated and drink iced and cold drinks rather than hot drinks like coffee.
You can also apply a cold cloth to your neck and wrists, which help cool you down easier, along with wearing brighter clothes.
Use Ice and Box Fans
You can make a DIY air conditioner with blocks of ice, placing them in a bowl or shallow fan, in front of your open windows. Box fans also make a great choice, placing them out of windows of rooms you spend the most time in.
Speaking of fans, switch on the bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, particularly during and after taking a hot shower or cooking. This will pull the hot air out of the area.
How Do You Sleep?
You can also opt to change the way you sleep, such as investing in other bedsheets. When using bed linens, choose lightweight cotton, which is breathable while promoting better airflow and ventilation in the room. The same goes for pillows, with buckwheat pillows being a better choice for its ventilation.
You should also sleep low, maybe opting to sleep in the basement or downstairs couch, as the air would feel cooler there.
Look into Your Attic
Your attic would be one of the hottest areas in your home. Keep the attic cool to help make your home cool by venting your attic and installing attic fans. You can also insulate your attic walls to keep your home cool during summer, and warm during the winter.
Focusing on your attic can lower the amount of heat entering your attic, which prevents it from escaping to the rest of the house downstairs. You can also hire an attic cleaning san diego to deep clean your attic.
Use the Right Lights
Instead of using incandescent lights, switch to compact fluorescent lamps and bulbs. Incandescent bulbs would spend more energy in the heat emitted, so using other light sources can cool the house while lowering your utility bills.
Invest in a Good Air-Conditioner
If push comes to shove, then you may have to give your air conditioner an upgrade or invest in one if you haven’t yet. This is especially if you live in extremely warm climates and all other tips above still have you and the household feel hot.
Wrapping It Up
Keeping your home cool without air conditioning is possible. From upgrading your windows with Shutterupblinds down to a few changes to your usual habits, your home can stay cooler and the entire household comfortable!
