April 26, 2024

Stay Cool: 10 Essential Tips for a Refreshing Summer at Home

You can keep yourself and your house cool this summer and be kind to the environment at the same time. Here's how.

But there are days when that harsh summer sun isn't quite so fun and cranking up the air-con at home seems like your only option.

We've all been there – those times when you just want to turn your house into a freezer and forget about the energy bill next quarter. But it's important to remember that high energy use associated with cooling houses in summer contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.

Check out these 10 tips that will keep you and your house cool, save you money, and help you be kind to the earth:

Close Your Blinds:
Consider investing in honeycomb blinds, which have insulating properties that help regulate indoor temperature by trapping air between the window and the room.

Utilize reflective window films or shades, which can block up to 80% of solar heat while still allowing natural light to filter through.

Opt for adjustable blinds or curtains that allow you to control the amount of sunlight entering your home throughout the day, depending on the sun's position.

Block Heat:
Install exterior shades such as exterior roller shutters, which not only block sunlight but also provide an additional layer of security for your home.

Create shade structures using materials like shade sails or pergolas, which not only block sunlight but also create a comfortable outdoor living space.

Utilize landscaping elements such as trellises or arbors covered with climbing plants to provide shade while adding beauty to your outdoor environment.

Adjust Thermostat:
Utilize the "fan-only" mode on your air-conditioning unit to circulate air without actively cooling, which can help maintain a comfortable temperature while reducing energy consumption.

Consider installing a programmable thermostat with features like geofencing, which adjusts the temperature based on your location, ensuring efficient cooling when you're at home and saving energy when you're away.

Explore the possibility of using smart home technologies to remotely monitor and control your home's temperature, allowing you to make adjustments on the go and maximize energy savings.

Ceiling Fan Direction:
Install ceiling fans with adjustable settings, allowing you to change the direction of airflow based on the season and your cooling needs.

Consider installing multiple ceiling fans in larger rooms or high-ceiling spaces to ensure even distribution of air circulation.

Invest in energy-efficient ceiling fans with features like DC motors, which consume less energy while providing effective cooling performance.

Close Doors and Seal Gaps:
Conduct a thorough inspection of your home's exterior and interior for air leaks, paying special attention to areas around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing penetrations.

Utilize foam weather-stripping or caulking to seal gaps and cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings, preventing hot air from infiltrating your home.

Consider installing door sweeps or thresholds to create a tight seal at the bottom of exterior doors, minimizing air leakage and improving energy efficiency.

Utilize Evening Coolness:
Create cross-ventilation by strategically opening windows on opposite sides of your home to encourage natural airflow and cooling.

Invest in window screens or insect screens to allow fresh air to enter your home while keeping insects and pests out.
Consider installing operable skylights or roof vents to facilitate the escape of hot air and promote passive cooling during the evening hours.

Cooling Alternatives:
Use handheld or portable fans in conjunction with natural ventilation to enhance airflow and create a refreshing breeze indoors.

Experiment with natural cooling methods such as evaporative cooling, which uses the principle of evaporation to lower the temperature of indoor air without relying on mechanical cooling systems.

Create a DIY cooling station with items like frozen water bottles, cooling towels, and handheld misting fans to provide instant relief from the heat.

Fan Hack:
Enhance the effectiveness of your fan hack by adding essential oils or fragrance to the water in the bowl, creating a refreshing aroma as the fan blows cool air into the room.

Experiment with different fan placements and angles to optimize airflow and cooling performance based on the layout of your room and the location of heat sources.

Choose Breathable Fabrics:
Explore advanced fabric technologies such as moisture-wicking fabrics, which draw sweat away from the skin and promote rapid evaporation to keep you cool and dry.

Consider investing in cooling clothing or accessories infused with phase change materials (PCMs), which absorb and release heat to maintain a comfortable temperature against your skin.

Look for clothing and bedding products labeled as "breathable" or "cooling," indicating that they are designed to enhance airflow and heat dissipation for maximum comfort during hot weather.

Switch to LED Bulbs:
Take advantage of utility rebate programs or government incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, which may offset the initial cost of purchasing LED bulbs and other energy-saving measures.

Consider installing dimmer switches or smart lighting controls to adjust the brightness of LED bulbs according to your preferences and lighting needs, further optimizing energy efficiency and comfort.

Explore the wide range of LED bulb options available, including dimmable bulbs, color-changing bulbs, and specialty bulbs for specific applications such as recessed lighting or outdoor fixtures.