There's no denying that things can really heat up here in Australia during summer. Even now that we're in April it still feels very much like summer these days with 30 degree Celsius sultry nights. No one likes to feel like a piece of melty cheese on toast, right? Pumping up the air-con might help keep your sanity for a little while, yet it's not an earth-caring solution in the long run. With that in mind, I thought I'd share some tips on eco-friendly ways to keep your home cool during the summer months. Follow along and be a cool cucumber!
♥ Clever window dressings
To help keep the sun's heat at bay, consider installing curtains or blinds that are lined with insulating fabric. Blockout blinds and curtains can help to regulate room temperatures and prevent direct sun rays from entering your home. As well as keeping your indoor areas cool, these window dressings can help reduce your energy bills as you won't need to rely on air conditioning systems as much. With a range of block out blinds and curtains available, you're bound to find something to suit your home's needs while looking chic. If you're thinking about updating your window dressings, you may also want to add a reflective film to the glass pane to deflect sun rays and bolster your efforts further.
If you don't want your home to feel like a greenhouse at the end of the day, a little strategic opening and closing of your curtains and blinds can go a long way. Try leaving your curtains and blinds drawn while you're out of the house during the day. When the temperature drops in the evening, open up the windows and doors to keep air circulating through the rooms - smart, right?
♥ Be savvy when cooling
Electric fans are not only a lot cheaper to run than electricity-guzzling air conditioning systems, they can also be extremely effective and green. If you want to feel the full benefits of the breeze, it pays to be a little savvy when using fans to cool your home. For example, rather than trying to use a single fan to blow air around several rooms, try shutting off the room you're using and sealing the gaps under the doors. To enhance the fan's cooling powers further, place a bowl of ice in front of it to provide some much-needed relief in humid rooms.
♥ DIY heat-beating tips
When it comes to preparing meals, slaving over a hot stove is probably the absolute last thing you want to be doing. Why not take your culinary skills outside and cooking on a BBQ in the backyard? Not only will you be freeing yourself from the sweaty confines of your kitchen, you'll also be saving money on energy bills - which is good news all round!
When it comes to nodding off at night, who else has had the experience of feeling like a piece of grilled fish on a fry pan? Hot temperatures can play havoc with your sleeping routine. Bear in mind that synthetic materials retain heat, so you may want to try switching to cotton bedding when the summer months approach. Or simply ditch your duvet altogether and just use a sheet to sleep in. My mum's best trick? Popping the linen in the fridge for a few hours before bedtime - now this is genius!
For long-term solutions, consider planting trees and lush shrubs around your home to provide some shade. Painting the exterior of your house light colours can also help to reflect the sun's radiation.
So tell me Dear Reader, are you thinking about giving your summer home a 'cool' makeover? Have you got some secret tips to share when it comes to 'keeping your cool' in summer in the greenest way? Share any clever tips you have in comments below!
Until next time. Stay cool.
