To keep your house cool in summer, here are effective strategies based on expert advice:
Passive Cooling Techniques
- Close curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day , especially on south- and west-facing windows, to block heat from entering your home
- Use reflective window films to reduce heat and glare by up to 99%, which helps keep indoor temperatures down
- Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering
- Use light-colored paints and roofing materials to reflect rather than absorb heat
- Open windows in the evening and early morning when outdoor temperatures are cooler to encourage natural ventilation and release trapped warm air
- Close doors to unused rooms to concentrate cooling in occupied areas
Fans and Airflow
- Set ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise in summer to push air downward, creating a cooling breeze over your skin. Fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when rooms are unoccupied
- Use portable or standing fans and place a bowl of ice in front of them for a DIY cooling effect
- Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove excess heat and humidity
Additional Tips
- Turn off electronics and incandescent lights when not in use since they generate heat
- Spray down roof tiles with water to cool them and reduce heat radiating into the house
- Eat meals outside or avoid cooking indoors during peak heat to prevent adding warmth inside
- Use breathable, lightweight fabrics for bedding and furniture covers to stay comfortable
- Consider evaporative cooling systems if you live in a dry climate; use them efficiently by keeping doors and windows open to allow airflow
These combined approaches can significantly reduce indoor temperatures and improve comfort without relying heavily on air conditioning, saving energy and costs
