How Your Home Can Keep Its Cool – So, it’s the height of summer, and while the sun outside is playing its greatest hits, you’re indoors trying not to melt into a human puddle. Sucks, right? If your home turns into a makeshift sauna every time the sun decides to show up, then it’s time to take action. That being the case, here are some clever ways to keep your home cool without a clunky fan in sight.
How Your Home Can Keep Its Cool
- Window Awnings
Let’s start with a shoutout to window awnings from Open Space Concepts. These stylish additions aren’t just for cafes or vintage shops; they’re perfect for any home needing a break from the relentless sun. By blocking direct sunlight, they keep your indoor spaces cooler and save your furnishings from a sun-bleached fate. Plus, they add a splash of charm to your home’s exterior—function and fashion, what’s not to love?
- White Out
Ever wondered why every house in Greece is painted whiter than a dentist’s sneakers? It’s because light colours reflect sunlight, keeping homes cooler. Grab a paintbrush and give your exterior a pale makeover. If painting your house feels like too much of a commitment, start with the roof—the most exposed part of your house.
- Get Planting
Turn your home into an eco-friendly fortress by planting some leafy friends around the house. Trees and bushes not only add a bit of jungle chic but also shade your walls and windows. Opt for deciduous plants—they provide shade in summer and, when they shed their leaves in winter, let in precious sunlight to warm your bones.
- The Great Curtain Call
Think of curtains and blinds as your home’s sunglasses. Thermal or blackout curtains can block out heat during the day and are quite the interior decorators’ choice. Close them on the sunny side of your house to keep things cool, and open them on the shaded side to let some light in without the heat.
- Unplug and Unwind
Did you know that appliances generate heat even when they’re turned off? That’s right, your gadget-heavy lifestyle could be turning your living room into a low-key oven. Unplug appliances when they’re not in use, and you might just save some pennies on your energy bill too. Your wallet and your sweaty brow will thank you.
- Vent Your Frustrations Out
Proper ventilation is key to a cool home. Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom to pull hot air out of your house. If it cools down at night, open your windows and let the night air in. Creating a cross-breeze can help push the hot air out and draw cooler air inside.
- Upgrade Your Bulbs
Still using incandescent light bulbs? They’re not just a drain on electricity; they also heat up your home. Switch to LED bulbs—they use less energy and produce less heat. Plus, they last longer, so that’s fewer trips to the store in sweltering heat.
So next time the sun decides to crank up the heat, you can relax in your pleasantly cool and comfy home, perhaps with a cold drink in hand!
Debz Louise is a plus-size blogger based in Yorkshire. Behind many nationwide campaigns such as #WeaAreTheThey & winner of Best Blogger at the UK Plus Size Awards, she talkas about life as a plus-size 40-something woman in South Yorkshire.
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