The year 2025 is predicted to be a record-breaking hot year. The early summer days have already been scorching.
The constant use of air conditioners and electric fans throughout the day not only incurs high electricity costs but also negatively affects your health.
Keeping your home cool with natural tips and tricks not only protects your health but also helps save on electricity costs. Here are eight simple, easy-to-apply, environmentally friendly, and budget-friendly tips to keep your home cool this summer.
1. Use Sun-Blocking Curtains
One of the main reasons why houses get hot during the day is the direct sunlight through the windows. Using sun-blocking curtains, especially thick, light-colored, or insulated curtains with a reflective coating, is an effective way to block UV rays and reduce heat absorption. Remember to draw the curtains during the hottest hours of the day (from 10 am to 4 pm) to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
2. Open Windows to Catch the Breeze
The early morning and evening hours are when outdoor temperatures are more pleasant, and there is a cool breeze. Take advantage of these times to open your windows and doors to allow cross-ventilation, pushing out the hot air and inviting in fresh air. This not only cools down your home but also makes it feel more airy and spacious.
Pro tip: Create a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of your home to maximize airflow.
3. Use Fans with Ice or Wet Towels
Instead of just using a fan, try placing a bucket of ice or a wet towel in front of it. The evaporating water will create a quick cooling effect, and the fan will circulate this cool air throughout the room, providing instant relief from the heat. This is an effective way to cool down bedrooms or living rooms without resorting to air conditioning.
4. Bring in the Green
Indoor plants not only add aesthetic appeal but also help cool down your home naturally. Plants like snake plants, peace lilies, ferns, and miniature palm trees can be placed indoors to purify the air, absorb toxins, and create a comfortable environment.
If you have a rooftop or balcony, consider growing vines like bougainvillea or morning glory, or vegetables like bottle gourd or bitter melon. These plants provide shade, shield direct sunlight, and significantly reduce roof temperature.
Additionally, having small ornamental trees along the walls of your house can provide natural shade and effectively cool down the exterior walls.
5. Apply Heat-Reflective Paint or Use Reflective Film
If you’re planning to renovate or repaint your home, consider using heat-reflective paint for your roof and exterior walls. This type of paint can reflect sunlight, reducing surface temperatures by 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, you can apply reflective film on glass windows to block UV rays and reduce heat absorption.
6. Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances
Using electrical appliances during the summer should be done wisely to avoid overloading your electrical system and generating excess heat. Choose appliances with a 5-star energy rating, and opt for LED lights instead of incandescent bulbs to reduce heat emission.
When it comes to air conditioning, choose inverter models that are energy-efficient, place them in appropriate locations away from direct sunlight, and regularly clean the filters for optimal performance.
7. Avoid Using Heat-Generating Appliances During the Hottest Part of the Day
Appliances like gas stoves, ovens, and irons generate a significant amount of heat. It’s best to avoid using them during the hottest hours of the day, typically around noon to early afternoon. Instead, consider cooking in the early morning or evening to reduce the heat generated in your living space.
8. Embrace Traditional Cooling Methods
- Placing a bucket of water in a corner of the room to let evaporation cool the hot, dry air.
- Sprinkling water on your patio or corrugated metal roof in the afternoon to lower the surface temperature and reduce heat transfer into the house.
- Mopping the floors with water daily to cool down the house while keeping the floors clean.
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