Everyone looks forward to the summer. It’s the season for enjoying outdoor activities, such as swimming, hiking, cycling, and barbecue parties. But the harsh weather may not be as fun for some people, especially those who choose to stay indoors. While at home, there are a few things that you can do to keep your rooms cool and comfortable. Today, we’re sharing 10 tips that will ensure your home stays cooler even in a heatwave.
Install an Air Conditioner
Are you still relying on your electric fan for cooling? It’s time to switch to an air conditioning system. It’s better than your trusty fan, especially in the summer months. Fans merely cool the room, which means this effect stops the moment you turn the appliance off.
On the other hand, an aircon will cool the room by removing moisture from the air, keeping indoor humidity at reasonable levels. They also improve air quality by filtering particles in the air that can cause allergies and other health issues.
Upgrade to a split or ducted system with a high energy rating, which uses 10% less energy than regular, cheaper air conditioners. You may contact ACSIS Air for advice.
Take Advantage of Your Air Conditioner
You have an air conditioner, so why not use it? But make sure you use it properly. Before the heat hits, get your aircon tuned up, ensuring it will be in tiptop shape come summer. Late spring is generally a good time for a professional inspection that includes a variety of assessments for:
- Thermostat
- Filters
- Temperature split
- System pressures
- Refrigerant levels
- Condenser or evaporator motor
- Compressor
- Condenser and evaporator coils
- Condensate lines
- Electrical connections
- Safety and limit switches
Regular checks ensure that the air conditioning system works at its best. They also help find any problems, such as leaks, which can make your home less comfortable and cause your bills to skyrocket. Talk to ACSIS Air to hire our pro aircon service.
Use Your Aircon Wisely
We’re staying on this topic a little bit more. Air conditioners are effective in cooling your home. However, improper use can mean wasted cooling and even higher electric bills – two consequences you do not want to face as a homeowner. So how do you make sure your aircon works smartly?
First, you should set it to the optimal temperature. Use your aircon together with a thermostat, which you should set between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius. Adding at least one degree to your thermostat in warm weather can lower your electric bill as it reduces the running cost of the appliance by as much as 10%.
Another tip is to know when to turn it off. It’s an age-old debate. Should you leave the AC running all day or set your thermostat higher? Here’s our advice: find the balance. It’s all about equilibrium when dealing with heating and cooling. Heat is attracted to the coolness of your home. If your thermostat is set to a higher temperature, it will be warmer in the day. That means there will be less airflow. So, if it is 29C outside and your thermostat setting is at 18C, your aircon will work harder to make the room colder.
However, if you set the thermostat to 25-27C during the day, you can lower it when you’re back home. Your aircon will still work hard and run for a longer time, but the difference is that you do not need it to run all day. This is why a programmable thermostat can be beneficial for your home and your wallet.
Close the Curtain
This may seem counterproductive but hear us out. Keeping your curtains or blinds open to let some outdoor air in can be problematic. Why? You’re essentially turning your house into a greenhouse. Blinds and curtains should be closed all day. It’s even better if you can invest in blackout blinds, which can aid in keeping the heat out of your home.
Choose Cotton Fabrics
Wear cotton shirts and use cotton sheets. Yes, satin and silk sheets may feel luxurious, but not during the warm summer months. Trade them for light coloured sheets, instead, which will help you sleep better and more comfortably.
Avoid the Steam
Hot showers may be the farthest thing on your list of to-dos in the summer. However, if you love taking showers at night, it may be a good idea for you to take a hot shower because it’s a bit cooler. Don’t jump in too quickly, though. Opt for tepid water – not hot; otherwise, the hot water will cause steam, which then increases humidity in the room. Do the same thing when you’re using washing machines and dishwashers.
Turn Off the Lights
Having environmentally-friendly lights may be something you’re proud of, but they still contribute to a higher room temperature. It is even worse if you are still using incandescent bulbs. They may be cheaper, but you save money if you switch to LEDs. Save even more money by turning the lights off, especially when they are not in use. Keep them off in the morning, afternoon, and early evening. After all, the sun still gives off some light longer during the summer.
The same concept applies to your electrical appliances. Unplug your phone and other devices, so they stop radiating heat at night. Try to fight the urge to charge them overnight unless you genuinely need to.
Have Plants Outside the House
We know that plants do not grow overnight. That’s why it takes a little bit of planning so you can benefit from the shade before hot summer hits. Trees are crucial in keeping not only your home but the surroundings cooler. A tree in full bloom can effectively block up to 70% of UV rays from entering your home. Pick plants and trees that can block the sun from your windows, especially the area where the sun shines the hardest in the afternoon.
Cook and Dine Alfresco
Cooking indoors may be something that you are used to, but you may want to move the kitchen outdoors temporarily. Bust out the grill, so you do not cause any overheating inside your home. You will feel more relaxed cooking outdoors; otherwise, you will only add to the discomfort if you fire up that oven.
Insulate for Year-Round Comfort
Prioritise adding insulation to the attic and walls. Insulation is quite straightforward. It is thermodynamics where heat flows from an area with a higher temperature and then moves to a cooler place. If your home is not properly insulated, you are letting heat seep indoors. This results in your air conditioner working harder, causing it to malfunction earlier than you expect.
There you have it! We hope our tips will help you minimise the heat in your home during the summer months.
