Summer is in full swing with an abundance of sunshine, long days, and for many, an uncomfortable rise in indoor temperatures. Staying cool and keeping your home at pleasant temperatures during the warmer summer months can be challenging, but with a few practical steps and simple adjustments, you can create a breezy haven away from the heat. The David Suzuki Foundation suggests these 9 simple ways to help you beat the summer temperatures and stay comfortable indoors.
1. Cool Yourself, Not the Space
Sometimes, it is much easier and more efficient to keep your body cool instead of trying to control an entire indoor space.
· Limit your physical activity during the hottest parts of the day.
· Don’t spend hours cooking, doing hot dishes, or using hot electronics and tools.
· Dress in loose-fitting, breathable, light-coloured clothing.
· Use water (but be mindful to conserve during drought) and take quick cold showers, go swimming at a local pool or natural water body, or place a damp cloth/ice pack on your neck, pulse points or under your arms. Splash water on your face and exposed limbs — evaporation helps cool humans (it’s why you sweat).
· Stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol – it’s diuretic and can dehydrate you.
· Try cooling down with a cold drink and a personal fan.
· Find a shady spot in a park or forest, and spend some time outside.
2. Keep Air Circulating
If you don’t have an air conditioner, keeping air moving can remove heat from your indoor space. Moving air also creates a wind chill effect that cools your body.
To pull hot air out, place electric fans near windowsills facing outward. You could also create a cross breeze by strategically placing one fan to blow cool air towards you while the window fan pulls hot air out. Make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise, so they pull warmer air toward the ceiling.
3. Block the Light
Windows are a great source of natural light which also means they can bring a significant amount of sun heat into your home making your A/C unit work harder during the summer months.
To reduce solar heat gain, try closing your blinds or adjusting their angle throughout the day. If your windows face east, close them before you go to bed. If they face south, close them during the day, and if they face west, close them in the late afternoon and early evening.
4. Take a Break from Cooking
Ovens and stoves generate a lot of heat, so try to plan meals that don’t require as much cooking, such as salads and sandwiches. If you must bake or roast, try making smaller portions that will cook quickly in a toaster oven. Plus, if you eat lighter meals, you will feel cooler. Food with a high-water content like strawberries, cucumber, celery, and lettuce, will also help to keep you hydrated and cool in summer weather.
5. Limit Appliance Usage
Kitchen appliances are not the only ones to heat up your home. Make sure to run your dishwasher and clothes dryer overnight, or better yet – air dry your laundry. You will minimize the heating effects and conserve energy simultaneously.
6. Ease Off the Air Conditioner
Consider using a programmable thermostat to manage your home energy use, ensuring you’re not cooling your home when it’s unoccupied. By setting your A/C 1°C to 3°C degrees warmer, you can save up to 10% on your monthly energy bill. If you don’t have an A/C system in your home, visit a cool place like a community centre, a library, or even a grocery store.
7. Change Filters
Dusty and dirty filters restrict airflow, which makes your appliances including A/C work harder. Make sure you replace disposable or wash reusable filters at least every three months to ensure your system runs smoothly and efficiently .
8. Add Indoor Plants
The impact of plants may be less significant compared to other cooling strategies, but they still can contribute to a cool and green indoor oasis. Plants release moisture like sweating in human bodies. Moisture evaporates from leaves and creates a cooling effect. A large collection of plants in a small room can collectively contribute to a slightly cooler and more comfortable environment. More plants create more shade and light diffusion, so they will help reduce direct sunlight entering a room and prevent excessive heat buildup.
9. Take a Break from Cooking
Surprisingly, heat pumps can be used to cool homes and buildings. The same way heat pumps heat outdoor air and transfer it indoors, they also transfer warm indoor air to the outside. Installing a heat pump will save you money, reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution and help your home be more energy efficient. Staying cool during the summer doesn’t have to be challenging or expensive. By incorporating energy-efficient strategies, such as using programmable thermostats, taking advantage of natural ventilation, and visiting local cool spots like community centres or libraries, you can maintain comfort without skyrocketing your energy bills. For homeowners and real estate investors, these cooling techniques not only enhance the living experience but also add value to the property by showcasing energy efficiency and sustainability. As the demand for eco-friendly homes continues to rise, implementing these strategies can make your property more appealing to potential buyers, ensuring it stands out in a competitive real estate market.
Our market-leading agents have assisted with purchasing and selling many homes and are confident in sharing strategies on how to add value to a property.
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