As the summer sun beats down on your property, the allure of a cool and refreshing home intensifies. So, how do you keep your home cool in the summer? Luckily, investing in air conditioning or cranking up the fans are not the only options. There are actually some things that you can do without any effect on your wallet.
Below, property and construction expert Thomas Goodman at MyJobQuote.co.uk has created this guide on how to keep your home cooler in the summer for free. Here, you will learn some of the clever and completely free things you can do to keep your home feeling fresh and comfortable throughout the summer. Here are some great tips to transform your home into a summer sanctuary without breaking the bank.
Embrace The Night Air
The night time tends to be much cooler and these cooler night temperatures are your friend. Open windows and doors on opposite sides of the house to create a cross breeze that draws out warm air. Aim to air out your home for several hours each night, especially after sunset. Think of it as a nightly refresh button for your indoor climate. As the outside temperature dips, use this opportunity to replace the warm air trapped inside your home with cool, refreshing air from the outdoors.
Once the sun rises, shut those windows and doors. Closed windows and doors help trap cool air inside and prevent hot outside air from coming in, which is especially important during the hottest part of the day. Think of your home as a thermal container – the less outside air exchange, the more you can maintain a cooler internal temperature for longer.
Blinds, Shades and Smart Sun Control
Block the Sun
The battle against heat is often won before it even enters your home. Exterior solutions are the most effective. Draw curtains, blinds, or shades on windows facing south or west, where the sun’s rays are strongest. Consider blackout curtains or reflective blinds for maximum heat deflection. They act like a shield, preventing the sun’s heat from warming up your interior spaces. Blackout curtains are particularly effective as they block not only light but also infrared radiation from the sun, which contributes significantly to indoor heating.
Awning Advantage
If you have an awning over any windows or doors, make sure you use it. An awning acts as a physical barrier, shading your door and windows and preventing direct sunlight from heating up your home. It’s like having a built-in umbrella for your openings, keeping the direct heat at bay. An awning can significantly reduce the amount of solar radiation hitting your windows and doors, making a noticeable difference in your indoor temperature.
Aluminium Foil Trick
For a quick DIY solution, try lining the backs of your blinds with aluminium foil. The reflective surface will bounce heat away from the window, keeping your home cooler. It’s a budget-friendly hack that can make a surprising difference. The aluminium acts like a mirror, reflecting the sun’s heat back outside and preventing it from warming up your windows and radiating into your home.
Hydration Hacks
Take cool showers instead of hot baths. Not only will you cool down directly, but the evaporation of water from your skin will also have a slight cooling effect on the surrounding air. Think of it as a personal air conditioner – cool, refreshing, and free! As the water evaporates from your skin, it absorbs heat, providing a temporary cooling effect on your body and the surrounding air.
Houseplants are more than just decoration – They release moisture through transpiration, which can help cool the air around them. Group your plants together for a more significant cooling effect. Think of them as little living humidifiers, adding a touch of freshness and lowering the temperature. As plants release water vapour through their leaves, they cool the air around them through a process called evaporative cooling.
Lifestyle Adjustments For a Cooler Home
There are several lifestyle changes you can make to help keep your home cooler. Take a look at some of the best ideas below:
- Cooking Clever: Avoid using heat-generating appliances like the stove or oven during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for no-cook meals or salads, or try grilling outdoors. Channel your inner grill master and take the heat out of the kitchen. Cooking generates a lot of heat, so by utilising alternative methods during peak heat hours, you can prevent your home from becoming even warmer.
- Lighten Up: Swap out high-wattage incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs. These bulbs emit less heat, keeping your home cooler. They also use less energy, saving you money on your electricity bill.
- Unplug the Unused: Electronics in standby mode still generate heat. Unplug electronics and chargers you’re not using to minimise heat gain. Even electronics in standby mode use a small amount of energy, which translates to heat generation. By unplugging unused electronics, you can eliminate this minor heat source.
- Fan Fantastic: Ceiling fans and strategically placed box fans can create a cooling wind chill effect. While fans don’t actually lower the air temperature, they can make you feel cooler by circulating air and promoting evaporation from your skin.
Final Thoughts
Remember, consistency is key! By implementing these free and simple tips throughout the summer, you can create a more comfortable and cool environment in your home without relying on expensive air conditioning. Embrace the cool night air, strategically block the daytime sun, and make smart lifestyle adjustments. With a little planning and these clever hacks, you can keep your home feeling like a summer sanctuary without breaking the bank. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the warm weather without letting the heat get you down.
