In the summertime your house may become hot, leaving you feeling tired, sticky, and fed up. However, there are affordable measures you can take to ensure you beat the heat this summer and can relax or work in a cooler environment. By utilizing the following ideas you can lower the temperature of your living space and cut expensive air conditioning costs.
Contents
1. Close the Blinds
Keeping the sun out of your home will help keep it cooler.
2. Wear White
Just as wearing white clothing during the summer can help you feel cool the color white can do the same for your home. White reflects the sun’s heat away from it; therefore it makes sense to have white curtains and blinds in your home and to paint the roof white also.
3. Block the Heat
Place heavy-duty foil or film over windows that get direct sunlight to reflect some of the heat away from your home.
4. Plant Shade
Create natural shade around your home, especially in areas you know are affected by the heat the most. You can reduce air conditioning costs by planting trees and large plants to shade your unit, and instantly make your home cooler by blocking out sunshine that would typically hit windows and radiate heat.
5. Insulate your Home
Proper insulation in your walls and attic will help keep the heat out and the cool air in. Roof insulation isn’t just useful for keeping in heat; it can keep it out too. Thicken three-inch insulation to twelve inches and you can benefit from a ten percent cooling cost for your home.
6. Avoid Outdoor Heat Generators
Cement, rocks, and asphalt soak up the heat of the sun and keep it constant for longer. This keeps the temperature in your home hotter in the evening, which is why it’s best to have grass and plants directly around your home rather than a rockery or paved patio area.
7. Avoid Indoor Heat Generators
Electrical appliances generate heat while in use, and when not being used if they’re left switched on. Turn off electrical devices when they aren’t needed, and make sure others are shaded if there’s sunshine streaming through windows.
8. Reduce Humidity
Humidity caused by a mixture of heat and dampness can be extremely uncomfortable to live with. You can reduce the possibility of humidity in your home by carrying out domestic activities utilizing water early in the morning or late in the evening rather than during the middle of the day. Washing machines and dishwashers are the kinds of appliances that generate humidity. If possible dry washing naturally on a line out of doors rather than in a tumble dryer.
Another way you may inadvertently heat your home is by cooking. Avoid doing so until the sun has gone down, or alternatively cook food first thing in the morning so it only needs heating when you want to eat it.
9. Use Fans Wisely
Ceiling and floor fans can help circulate the air in your home and make it feel cooler. Be sure to use them in conjunction with air conditioning, not instead of it.
Ceiling fans help move air around and are far more cost-effective than an air conditioning unit. Make sure they’re set for summertime, so that the air flows downwards, and place a bowl of ice under them for extra cooling as it melts.
Conclusion
Keeping cool at home in summer can help you feel more energetic and happy. By making a few small changes to your daily routine, insulating your roof, and utilizing the color white you can experience a refreshing summertime while indoors.
