Have you ever felt so hot that you simply can’t move? You have to be cautious about overheating and dehydration, so what can you do to reduce those extraordinary temperatures in your home? A solution as simple as solar roof ventilation may be key to enjoying the summer months a little more.
Let’s discuss a few strategies that really work for Australian homes.
Fans
Overhead fans are one of the better options when trying to cool your home. The flow of air is just right to make sure that the warm air dissipates, and the colder air is forced down.
However, many of us are understandably a little nervous when it comes to ceiling fans. They tend to wobble a little more than we’re comfortable with. It’s natural to wonder whether they will fly off their brackets. The fans are designed to withstand wobble, if safely fitted to each ceiling. So, you are safe.
For those of you who prefer something portable, floor-based air-coolers are the solution. Take your unit to the bedroom or the kitchen – and direct it to circulate onto your body. If there’s a group of people seated, keep it as close to the floor as possible. It will displace the warm air upwards.
Misters
Misters are nifty little contraptions – they put cold moisture into the air. You simply place cold water into the jug, place the electrical steamer section on top, and turn it on.
It works very well with a fan, too.
Solar Roof Ventilation
Solar roof ventilation is an ingenious invention which is run by the heat of the sun. The heat bakes onto the solar panel, which operates a fan. This draws cooler air up from lower intake vents, as well as moisture from your home, such as from cooking or showering. This cooler air cools your roof and lowers the temperature in your whole house.
Air Conditioning
An obvious solution is air conditioning. There are many parts of the world where you can’t comfortably live without an air conditioner. There are even noiseless ones available, which you can turn on when you sleep.
Many people prefer more natural ways of cooling the room. Try some of the other methods in combination if this is your preference. They still help a lot.
Ventilation – Free Flow of Air
If you ventilate your house correctly, you will get free flow of air, which helps to reduce the temperature. You have to control the flow correctly to make sure it is not flowing from a hot room to the rest of the house. Close off the hot areas, and you will have a cooler house.
Shade Through Awnings
Awnings over windows provide shade. They cool the ground outside the windows, and also prevent the sun’s rays from entering the house and warming it.
Shade Through Plants or Trees
Tall plants or trees close to the window can create the same effect as an awning. They can shade the house from too much sun. This is great for summer, but, depending on where you live, might not be so ideal for winter.
Water Pathways and Walls
At the peak of the day, water the walls of the house and the pathways next to it. You will find that the house cools down almost immediately. If you don’t live in an area where there are water restrictions, you can keep this going for a full hour at the hottest part of the day for best results.
In fact, why not run under the sprinkler yourself! Be a kid again.
The only drawback would be if you lived in a mosquito-infested region. The extra moisture helps the dreadful little critters to breed.
Close the Curtains
To help keep the sun out, close the curtains. This is an old-fashioned, but very effective measure. The heat is also shut out, and you keep the house cool. However, many people find the darkness oppressive. They want to have the curtains open, but the heat out. Keep reading if this method doesn’t work for you.
Invest in Some Houseplants
If you love gardening, why not bring it inside? Houseplants can reduce heat inside the home! Invest in some plants and position them throughout the house. It will feel a couple of degrees cooler, and the green hues are calming.
Don’t Use the Stove
Kitchens can become hot while cooking so an obvious suggestion is to refrain from using the stove, and rather cook outdoors. Everything can be cooked on an outside gas grill. You’re getting into the fresh, cooler outdoors, and you’re saving electricity too!
[Conclusion]
There are many simple ways to cool a home for the summer. Many of them involve no cost at all but the methods that do require an expense are the most powerful, and great investments! So which one will you try this summer?
