Ready to beat the summer heat while being eco-friendly? You’re in for a treat! While BBQs, beach cricket, and pool dips may sound like the perfect summer activities, sometimes that blazing sun can leave you feeling like you’re melting.
Before you reach for the AC remote and brace for the energy bill shock, hold up! We’ve got you covered with 12 genius tips to keep both you and your home cool without breaking the bank or harming the planet.
1. Closing Your Blinds
Closing your blinds, especially on north and west-facing windows, effectively blocks out the harsh summer sun, preventing heat from entering your home. This simple step significantly cools your home and reduces the need for air conditioning. For even greater protection against sunlight, consider investing in block-out curtains, which provide added insulation and privacy while keeping your home cooler and more energy-efficient.
2. Insulated Window Film
Insulated window film can make your home cooler in the summer. Firstly, it acts as a barrier against solar heat gain by reducing the amount of infrared heat that enters through the windows. This helps to keep the indoor temperature lower, reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy costs. Additionally, insulated window film helps to minimize temperature imbalances within the home by reducing hot spots near windows, creating a more comfortable environment throughout.
3. Change Out Your Bed Sheets
Refreshing your bed linens can have a significant impact on your home’s temperature during the summer months. Opt for lighter fabrics in brighter colors like white, as they reflect light and heat, helping to maintain a cooler environment. Additionally, choosing lightweight sheets allows for better airflow, promoting breathability and comfort while you sleep. As an added bonus, regularly changing your sheets not only refreshes your home but also contributes to a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere, making it a worthwhile investment in your overall well-being.
4. Maximizing Natural Airflow
Harness the power of the breeze to your advantage by maximizing airflow in your home. Open windows on the downwind side to let fresh air in, while cracking open the bottom section on the upwind side to create a cooling pressure current. To enhance this effect, consider using a window fan on the upwind side to generate airflow, especially when the wind isn’t blowing directly toward your home or if there are no windows on that side of the house.
5. Optimizing Fan Placement
Fans do not lower the temperature of the air; instead, they facilitate air circulation within a room. The sensation of coolness arises from the enhanced evaporation process induced by the airflow. As your body releases heat through sweat, the accelerated evaporation rate helps you feel cooler. Strategically placing a fan in a corner near the ground allows it to push cooler, denser air around the room, promoting a more comfortable environment. Additionally, positioning a fan to draw in air from cooler areas of the house can effectively circulate air throughout warmer rooms, further enhancing comfort levels.
6. Adjust Your Ceiling Fans to Rotate Anti-Clockwise
Ceiling fans are a simple yet effective way to enhance comfort in your home, and installing them is a straightforward DIY task. Beyond providing cooling relief during summer, they also aid in circulating warm air during winter months. However, it’s crucial to remember that ceiling fans require occasional adjustments. During the summer, ensure the fan blades rotate anti-clockwise (when viewed from below) to direct air downward, creating a refreshing breeze. On particularly scorching days, consider increasing the fan speed for optimal cooling effect.
7. Create Your Own Icy Breeze
Change your room into a cool sanctuary by crafting your own refreshing breeze. Simply grab a bowl filled with ice cubes or an ice pack and place it strategically in front of a fan. As you switch on the fan, the cool air will flow over the ice, creating a chilly mist that envelops the room. This DIY trick not only provides instant relief from the heat but also adds a touch of coastal charm to your space, mimicking the sensation of a refreshing ocean breeze on a hot summer day.
8. Replace Incandescent Bulbs to Beat the Heat
Swap out incandescent bulbs for a cooler home environment and reduced energy costs. Incandescent bulbs are notorious for wasting up to 90 percent of their energy in the form of heat, contributing to higher indoor temperatures. By making the switch to energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), you can effectively cool your home without the need for an air conditioner. Not only will this simple adjustment help maintain a more comfortable indoor climate, but it will also lead to significant savings on your energy bill.
9. Minimize Appliance Usage to Beat the Heat
Reduce the heat generated by household appliances by minimizing their usage whenever possible. Instead of relying on appliances like dryers and dishwashers, opt for energy-saving alternatives such as air-drying clothes and hand-washing dishes. Schedule chores that involve heat-producing appliances, like irons, for cooler times of the day, such as evenings. By limiting appliance usage, not only can you keep your home cooler during the summer months, but you can also lower your electricity bills.
10. Avoiding Oven and Stove Use
Cooking indoors can lead to a buildup of heat, making your home uncomfortably warm. Instead, opt for no-cook meals like salads or sandwiches to avoid adding extra heat to your home. If you need to cook, consider using an outdoor grill to prepare your meals. Not only will this help keep your home cool, but it also provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor cooking and make the most of your grill!
11. Embrace Gardening for a Cooler Home
Harness the natural cooling power of plants to lower the temperature in your home. Just as plants play a vital role in regulating the earth’s atmosphere, they can also contribute to a cooler indoor environment. During warmer weather, plants release water vapor through a process called transpiration, effectively cooling themselves and their surroundings. However, not all houseplants have the same cooling effect, so selecting the right varieties is key to optimizing your home’s temperature. Additionally, certain air-purifying houseplants can further enhance indoor air quality by removing harmful pollutants, offering a double benefit for a healthier and cooler home.
12. Create DIY Cooling Curtains for Summer Comfort
Utilize the power of a cool breeze to naturally lower the temperature inside your home during the summer months. This classic yet effective technique involves dampening your curtains or a sheet with cold water and draping them over your windows. As the breeze enters your home, it passes through the damp fabric, causing the water to evaporate and cool the air. For a longer-lasting solution, consider dipping the bottom hem of your curtains into a bucket of water to maintain moisture without the need for frequent spritzing. This simple trick offers a budget-friendly way to stay cool and comfortable at home without relying on air conditioning.