Tips to Keep Your House Cool in the Summers

Summers mean lazy days on the beaches, picnics, barbecues, cute outfits, cold drinks, and yummy fruits. Summers also mean scary electric bills because you use too much air conditioner. Whether you live in India, the US, UK, or Australia, summers are financially draining. And especially with the pandemic forcing us to stay indoors, it’s getting difficult to handle the heat. So how does one beat the heat? There are many natural and cheaper ways for you to cool your home.

Keep your blinds closed– It may be tempting to catch some sun or early morning rays. But keeping your blinds and curtains closed allows unwanted heat to stay outside. About 30% of unwanted heat comes from windows, blinds, or curtains. If you have south or west-facing windows, you will be more vulnerable to heat. Keeping your blinds closed can give your living room or bedroom a cooler and cosy temperature in summers.

Buy Cotton Sheets- Flannel sheets are more luxurious but suited for cold temperatures. Having cotton sheets can let you feel cooler and help in breathing comfortably. Changing sheets every 2-3 days is also a good way to keep your bedroom feeling cooler. There are cooling pillows also available in the market which you can purchase. They last long so consider it an investment in your health and comfort.

Focus on your Body- You may feel that the ‘house’ is hot but listen to your body first. Air conditioning is a very modern invention, so clearly our previous generations managed without it. We are not suggesting you suffer but there are other ways to cool yourself. Select cotton and summer-friendly clothes like linen. Avoid hot or heavy drinks. Instead keep a jar of cold water mixed with basil, mint, and lemon. Keep sipping on this throughout the day. You can add other things like cucumber or watermelon to give it a cooler flavor. Limit exercise to early mornings or evenings. Hydrate yourself. Dehydration is very common in tropical climates.

Open your doors- Allow air to flow freely through your home. Making a wind funnel or keeping doors open will let cool airflow when it can. The living room should be airy and open so you can sit there comfortably during day time.

Go out in the evening- If you have a backyard or a balcony, then step out in the evening. Open the windows to let some cool air in. The kitchen may feel even hotter during summers so cooking outside is a much feasible option. You can grill some meats or have a nice cold salad in your balcony or backyard. Remember to close the doors before you go in to ensure no insects or mosquitoes enter.

Make Smart Choices- Eating the right foods and drinking enough water can maintain your body temperature effectively. Watermelons, apples, pears, strawberries, and cucumbers are all cooling and can easily be added to your diet. Swap your sugar-loaded colas with soda or fresh juice. Try swimming or yoga instead of running or HIIT or even cardio. Taking shorter showers can also help your body acclimatize to the weather. If you consume alcohol, try light beers or chilled wine.

Use fans- Instead of constantly using the AC, try using table fans or ceiling fans. They aren’t as effective but they are cheaper. Table fans can be moved anywhere you need them to go. You can even purchase air coolers. Put ice cubes in your air cooler and enjoy chilled air in the room. Laying some sheets of hay also helps cool down the temperature in the room. Ancient Indians used to wash their homes with cold hay to keep houses cool in the summer.

Buy Blackout curtains- Blackout curtains block the sunlight, insulating the rooms in which they are installed. Pick neutral or darker colored curtains to reduce the heat.

These are all short-term, cheap alternatives to air-conditioning. If you live in a tropical climate where summers are unbearable, you must look at the long-term solution. Swapping your regular lights for CFLs is an easy and simple way to cut your electricity bill. Buy electronics with green energy ratings so you save on your electricity costs. Install a solar panel to benefit the environment and also make a dent in your utilities. Create a thick, leafy garden with plants that cool your house. Pick an air conditioner from a reputed brand and ensure it is maintained regularly. Sometimes taking care of your electronics can give them a longer lifetime. You can also install ceiling fans in your house if you wish. Look at the long-term benefits of these methods and compare them with the one-time installment or purchase cost. For people living in extreme summers, it would be beneficial to have alternatives that work.