Summer is a marvelous time of the year; it’s the perfect time to lap up the sunshine at one of our many beautiful beaches and catch up with family and friends over a delicious barbecue. But sometimes you need a bit of a reprieve from the scorching heat and there’s no better place to cool down than in the comfort and protection of your home.
Unfortunately, this can be tricky in Australia with temperatures soaring into the high 30s and quickly bringing the temperature inside well above a comfortable level. This is especially true in multi-level homes where the heat rises to the top floor and lingers there throughout the day. However, don’t fret because there are some ways to keep the house from turning into a sauna – without costing you a fortune.
Read on to explore our top five cost-effective tips you can use this summer when you’re feeling the heat –
Exposed windows can be a big problem for Aussies throughout summer as the hot sun beams down and warms the house within minutes. Awnings, deciduous trees, and pergolas are good ways to prevent this but sadly cannot be installed at the click of a finger.
So instead, an option is to place reflective film on the glass. It’s not too pricey and will certainly keep the house a lot cooler.
When you know it’s going to be a hot day it’s best to close everything up early in the morning whilst the air is still fresh and then open the windows and let in the cool breeze as the sun starts to go down.
Block-out curtains are also a smart idea and will help keep the warmth from getting in. If there are rooms that you just can’t cool down, then perhaps close that area of the house off so it doesn’t spread to other areas.
It’s become almost second nature now to turn on the air-con as soon as we feel the heat indoors. Sadly, this can be quite costly so it’s better to opt for a fan in the first instance. This will get the air flowing around the room and provide some immediate relief.
If the heat becomes too unbearable, you could also try running the aircon for a little while and then using the fan to circulate the cooler air around the room.
If you keep an eye on the weather forecast and see that there is a heat wave coming then why not pre-plan some meals? Having the oven on during a hot day will only add to the heat inside your house, but if your meals are already prepared then this solves the problem.
This time of the year is the perfect time to opt for lighter, cooler meals such as refreshing salads and sandwiches that require minimal time in the kitchen. Alternatively, you can enjoy a barbeque outside, with a cold drink in hand!
If all else fails and you are struggling to cool the house then try to cool yourself down instead. This could be done by using a spray bottle to spray your face with water, or placing a cool face washer on your head and on the back of your neck. Loose breathable sheets, such as cotton or bamboo, also help when trying to sleep at night, plus wearing loose clothing that breathes.