The higher the temperatures, the more people invest in air conditioning. Summer is amazing, but the excess heat is not suitable for anyone.
By 2050, approximately two-thirds of households worldwide could own an air conditioner. Unfortunately, the energy has to come from renewable resources. Otherwise, the increased demand will cause greenhouse gas emissions that result in global warming.
For some people, using air conditioning is expensive and unavailable. However, there are practical ways to keep the heat out without using an AC or causing climate change.
Doors and windows highly contribute to heat loss or heat gain in the house. Using and treating them well is vital for the best indoor conditions. Installing shutters for windows is an excellent place to start.
While temperatures rise, below are five easy tricks to cool down your building.
Proper Insulation
It always seems like there are no holes or tiny cracks around the windows. But the air leaks are there. Although they are small, they can affect your house temperatures in a significant way.
Address all air leaks in your building to maintain cooler temperatures. After proper insulation, keep your doors and windows closed during the day when the temperatures are high. Open them in the evening or early in the morning when the summer temperatures are low.
Remember, if your house is not insulated correctly, then closing the windows and doors could be ineffective. It can be counterproductive and cause a greenhouse effect.
Various window treatments act as efficient thermal insulators. They limit the amount of heat gain and in turn, keep your house cool.
Interior wood blinds, for instance, reduce heat gain by approximately 45% when closed completely. They also block or allow light into a room.
You can also add an insect screen between your windows and shutters to keep off insects that love light.
Manage Interior Sources Of Heat
Eliminating internal sources of heat is one of the most practical ways to keep your building fresh. Do away with activities that raise temperatures on the inside.
Cook outside during the day. A home-cooked meal is incredible, but the hot oven in the kitchen can raise your interior temperatures incredibly. In summers, you either eat salads and sandwiches or cook from outside. You will save some money when using solar-powered grills.
Unplug all unnecessary heat sources such as a charger or TV box. You have probably not thought of it, but these things draw in additional heat via the sockets. If your garage is attached to your house, place the car outside and park it only after the engine cools off.
Switch off the lights when not in use. Incandescent light bulbs like CFLs and LEDs emit too much heat. You can change the bulbs or use them only when necessary during the summer period.
Make use of the exhaust fan in the bathroom while bathing or taking a shower. You can also open the bathroom windows to eliminate the hot air.
Use dishwashers or clothes dryers at night when the temperatures are low. If you don’t love BBQ, cook in the evening and switch on the exhaust fan to draw the hot air outside.
Invest In A Good Fan
Using fans may seem outdated, but it’s an excellent way to keep your building cool. They are still available in the market for a good reason. Invest in a high-quality fan. Low-quality fans circulate hot air in the interiors.
During summer, set your fans in an anticlockwise direction and at a higher speed. They will push fresh air from the floor up.
Besides ceiling fans, you can purchase portable fans. Place them in an open window to pull fresh, cold air from the outside.
Fill a bowl with ice and place it at an angle in front of your fan. The ice will cool the air from the fan considerably. The evaporating ice will result in a wind –chill freeze effect. You can also hang a wet cloth on your window.
Turn on the exhaust fan in the kitchen and your bathroom fans. They will both eliminate hot air produced after a steamy shower or cooking.
Exterior Shutters
Shutters are perfect thermal insulators. They have adjustable louvers that allow light control and ventilation while reducing heat gain through your windows and doors.
Custom exterior shutters are best in;
- Thermal insulation in high-temperature seasons
- Providing a sturdy barrier between the door or window plane and outdoor heat
- Added security
Exterior shutters create an entertainment space outdoors that is ideal during the day or in the evening. They also direct a breeze or block unwanted heat and sunlight.
Use shutters to eliminate heat buildup from your building in the evening. Open all your doors and windows after a hot day to cross ventilate. If there is no breeze, you can use fans to get rid of the hot air.
Use Curtains And Drapes Properly
Regardless of how well insulated your room is, sun rays can still get in through the windows. Temperatures will increase fast. Use drapes and curtains to block heat-generating light.
During summer months, keep all your curtains closed, especially on the side of the building where the sun rays hit directly.
The curtain color or fabric determines its ability to reduce heat gain. Medium colored curtains with white plastic backings reduce heat gain by approximately 33%.
Hang the curtains close to the windows. Add a cornice above the draperies and seal the draperies on the sides. Also, overlap the draperies in the middle using tape or Velcro.
Blackout curtains block sun rays insulating your room naturally. In the evening, after the sun sets, open the curtains to let the cold air to enter and circulate the room.
The good thing about using curtains or drapes is that they add beauty to your interiors while still making it cool.
Final Thoughts!
Keeping you building cool during a high-temperature season doesn’t mean you have to invest in an AC. It is wise and more economical to consider the practical strategies discussed above. In no time, the excess heat will be gone.
