Keep Your Home Cool This Feb

This summer has been brutal so far, with temperatures rising and there seeming to be no respite. Air conditioning is a great solution, but not everyone can afford this luxury, especially with rising electricity prices. If you've been wondering how to keep your house cool without breaking the bank, then look no further. We've put together a list of seven ways in which you can keep your home cool and comfortable in summer, while also saving on energy costs!
 

1. Dim The (Natural) Light
 

As tempting as it may be to let natural light brighten your room, keep in mind that light equals heat.
 

The more light that enters your home, the warmer you will feel and the harder your air conditioner will have to work. Keep your blinds closed, especially those on west and north-facing windows, to keep the temperature in your home bearable. Better yet, choose blackout curtains to completely block out heat and keep your home cool all summer.
 

2. Film Your Windows
 

Approximately 76% of the light that falls on windows enters the home and converts to heat. Reflective window films are capable of blocking up to 78% of solar heat and 99% of harmful UV rays. While too much sunlight will only make your house warmer, UV rays are harmful to both your health and your furniture. Not only are these window films a must-have for the summer, but they're also essential for keeping your skin and furnishings safe.
 

Window films are a simple DIY project with numerous options based on your requirements.
 

3. Close The Doors
 

Close off doors to unused rooms to keep cool air where it is needed. It keeps cool air from leaking into areas of the house where it isn't needed. It also reduces the amount of effort required by your air conditioner to cool larger areas.
 

Seal any gaps or crevices around windows and doors, as a lot of cool air escapes through them. To prevent cool air from escaping, seal gaps around doors and windows and use draught excluders.
 

4. Change Your Sheets
 

This tip may appear insignificant, but it can make a substantial difference in the temperature of your home. Lighter fabrics, preferably in brighter colours like white, reflect light and heat and help keep your home cool in the summer. The material of your sheets is also important because lighter fabrics breathe better than heavier ones. Because changing your sheets on a regular basis is a great way to freshen up your home, this is a worthwhile investment.
 

5. Switch Off Appliances
 

The amount of waste heat generated by appliances in your home may surprise you. Try to avoid using them whenever possible, in addition to turning them off when not in use. For example, instead of using the dryer, hang your clothes to dry and hand wash your dishes. Schedule your chores and only use appliances like irons after the sun has gone down. Limiting your use of devices will not only keep your house cool in the summer, but it will also reduce your electricity costs.
 

6. Change Out Your Bulbs
 

If you've been looking for an opportunity to replace your traditional incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, now is the time. Incandescent bulbs emit 90% of their energy as heat. LED bulbs, on the other hand, produce less heat and consume less electricity.
 

7. Bring In Some Greenery
 

It is common knowledge that plants play an important role in regulating the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere. They can also have a similar, albeit much less severe, effect on the temperature in your home. Plants will release water from their leaves as temperatures rise. This is known as transpiration, and it assists plants in cooling themselves and their surroundings. Of course, not all houseplants will affect the temperature of your home, so choose plants that will cool it down. Additionally, some air-purifying houseplants help to improve indoor air quality by removing harmful pollutants.