KEEPING YOUR HOME COOL DURING THE SUMMER HEAT

It’s that time of year where summer is in full swing and the heat just keeps coming! When you’re at home, the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable. So you inch up that AC and you’re left with a huge bill at the end of the month! Keeping that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of our top ways to naturally keep your home cool during these summer months:

SWAP OUT YOUR LIGHTBULBS

Standard/incandescent light bulbs give off an immense amount of heat and can contribute to your home’s temperature rising even more in these summer months. Swap as many lightbulbs as you can out for LED alternatives that won’t give off as much heat and have the added benefit of being more energy efficient/budget-friendly.

DON’T LET HOT AIR IN

This means keeping windows closed during the day, particularly those facing the north and west facing windows. It’s also important to remember that even closed windows without window treatments and light coming through are sources of heat. Consider getting blackout curtains to help with this. In the evenings, depending on the temperature, it may help to open your windows and let the cool air in.

OUTDOOR ADD-ONS

Invest in awnings, shutters, and large outdoor plants. These outside add-ons can help keep your home cooler during the summer months. Planting deciduous trees is another great way to shade your home and keep it cooler, although it takes a lot longer to reap the benefits of this method considering you have to wait for the trees to grow.

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR WINDOWS

Installing more energy-efficient windows is a large up-front cost, but will save you money in the long run and keep your home cooler in the process. Something else you can do to your windows that require less time and cost up front is to apply window film to the outside of your windows. The film acts as a reflective barrier to prevent the sun from heating up your home from the outside.

THINK ABOUT AIR FLOW

When moving around your home, make sure to close doors in rooms you aren’t using and seal any gaps between those rooms. This will help keep cool air in the spaces that you’re actually utilizing. To maximize your fans, make sure that they’re rotating counter-clockwise, which will push air straight down creating a cooling effect. 

CREATE A DIY AIR CONDITIONER

Air conditioning can be costly and a pain to install season after season, especially if you’re using window units. If you’re in a time and budget pinch, placing a bowl of ice right in front of a high-powered fan can serve as a makeshift air conditioner.

KEEP YOURSELF COOL

When all else fails, keep it simple. Drink cold water, apply a cool cloth to your neck and other pressure points, or take a cold shower to keep yourself cool and hydrated in the summer heat. Wear light, breathable fabrics such as cotton during this time of year.

Sources:
Ovo Energy
Environmental Department Australia
Cielowigle