Homeandgarden.ie Blog: Keeping Your House Cool This Summer

 

This summer, you can both keep yourself and your home cool while being environmentally responsible. How? Read on.

 

Many people associate summer with barbecues,swimming etc.

 

However, there are some days when the intense summer sun isn’t quite as enjoyable, and turning up the air conditioning at home seems to be your only choice.

 

Everyone has had those moments when they just want to freeze their house and forget about the energy bill for the following three months. However, it’s critical to keep in mind that excessive energy consumption related to cooling homes in the summer increases greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to global warming.

 

These ten suggestions will help you and your home stay cool, save money, and be kind to the Earth.

 

  1. Draw the curtains.

To considerably chill your home, keep your blinds closed, especially on windows with a north or west orientation. Even better, spend the extra money on block-out drapes to protect your house from the stifling summer sun.

 

  1. Reduce heat

Spending less on cooling is possible if you can prevent heat from entering your home in the first place. Use external coverings, such as shades, awnings, or sizable potted plants, to provide shade for windows and walls. Plant deciduous trees that provide summer shade for your home yet allow winter sun to stream through. If you can, add more insulation to your ceilings and invest in window tinting to help with winter heat retention.

 

  1. Lock doors and cover gaps.

Keep cool air where you need it most by closing the doors to rooms you aren’t utilizing. To ensure that the cool air cannot escape, use draught excluders and seal holes around doors and windows.

 

Please take note that opening windows and doors will improve airflow around the house and make evaporative air conditioners more effective.

 

  1. Engage in evening activities

It may be a good idea to keep your windows closed and stay inside during the day, but as the evenings grow colder, you might want to let the air in to naturally cool your home. Just be sure to lock up at night!

 

  1. Only 1 more.

If you must use your air conditioner, raise the temperature to whatever level you find comfortable, ideally between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius. In warm weather, turning up your thermostat only one degree can save your appliance roughly ten percent on energy costs.

 

If you want to replace your air conditioner, seek for one with a high energy star rating and conduct research to make sure you get the best model for your house.

 

  1. Change ceiling fan speed

You could occasionally think that the hot air in your house is being circulated by ceiling fans rather than being cooled. You’re not mistaken, though; this is what non-counterclockwise rotating fans might be doing.

 

In the summer, turn your ceiling fans counterclockwise to circulate air.

 

  1. Relax, not over-relax

 

Drink ice-cold beverages, use a damp towel to pressure spots on your body, such as your neck, or take a cold shower to cool your body without turning on the air conditioner.

 

  1. Conceal a fan

No air conditioning? Not to worry! All you need to create a cool mist with a fan is an artfully placed basin of ice. For an inexpensive, cold wind, put an ice cube tray or shallow basin in front of the fan.

 

  1. Select cotton

Cotton materials are incredibly breathable and aid in body cooling. Wear breathable materials like cotton that are light and loose, and cover your bed with cotton sheets. Instead of cooling it down, go home.

 

  1. Replace the light bulbs.

Incandescent lightbulbs may be to blame if you’re having difficulties cooling your home and are unsure of the cause. Since they generate a lot of heat, switching to energy-saving bulbs can help you save a ton of money on energy expenditures while also cooling your home.