We all know how uncomfortable it can be when the weather gets really hot. If your home isn’t well insulated, it can feel even more unbearable. That’s why we’ve put together four simple tips to help you keep your home cool and comfortable.
When the sun beats down directly on a house or apartment, the heat can quickly become stifling. Some homes are particularly poorly insulated – they’re known as thermal kettles. For maximum comfort, it’s best to think about heat and insulation right from the design stage.
But if you feel that it’s as hot inside as it is outside and you can’t afford to do any work, don’t panic. Here are a few tips for cooling your home without using air conditioning. Because these systems reject heat to the outside and consume energy, it’s best to do without them whenever possible. Here’s how.
1. Lock everything up during the day
The first thing to do is to keep the heat out of your home. This means closing windows and shutters, and drawing curtains during the hottest hours of the day. As soon as the mercury drops a little, at the end of the day, remember to reopen the windows to let in some fresh air. There are also heat-shielding films that can be stuck to windows.
2. Increase humidity levels
Another trick is to play with humidity levels. For example, water the terrace or balcony to refresh the atmosphere. The same goes for your home: mop the floor or attic with a damp cloth. Moisture absorbs heat through evaporation. In the same vein, drying your laundry or hanging wet sheets in the window can do a world of good.
Installing plants in the home or on the balcony also brings a touch of freshness. Through evaporation, they release water vapour. In front of a window, they can also provide shade.
3. Avoid using certain appliances
It’s also important to limit internal heat gain. Appliances on standby raise the temperature in the home. It’s a good idea to switch off appliances that are not in use, thus adding unnecessary heat.
At the same time, try not to use heat-generating appliances such as the oven. Last but not least, it’s a good idea to replace your light bulbs with LEDs. Some bulbs, like halogens, produce heat.
4. Rely on fans and draughts
The last easy trick is the fan. If it doesn’t produce freshness, the simple sensation of stirring air can provide some relief. Placing ice or a wet cloth in front of it can even cool a room slightly. In the same vein, it’s a good idea to circulate air by opening windows on opposite sides or on different levels, whenever possible.
