Remember the Glucon-D advertisement, where the sun drains away all the energy from a young boy, sucking it out with a straw? I feel the same way every time I look at my electricity bill during the summer months!
The humid season and dry air call for cranking up your AC, or plopping yourself under the nearest fan. But keeping your home and yourself cool during those tiresome summer months doesn’t have to be restricted to these limited options.
There are plenty of ways to keep your pad cool, without depending heavily on ACs/coolers/ceiling fans and raising your electricity bill and blood pressure!
So this summer, keep calm and…
Block The Heat
This sounds like a simple solution, because it is! Majority of the heat comes in through the windows. Lower the temperature of your home by shutting the windows during peak summer hours. Opt for thick curtains to block out the heat. The instinct is to opt for summery, light drapes and lower the blinds for sunlight to seep in. But you’ll only be inviting in hot air, hot enough to turn your home into a miniature greenhouse.
Ditch The Floor Accessories
Do away with heavy rugs and carpets as they will only collect dust and get too prickly to sit or stand on, given the season. It is more soothing to walk on and sit on the cold floor or smooth marble tiles beneath your feet.
Use Natural Ventilation Techniques
Monitor areas of the house where cross ventilation can occur. Crack open the windows when the air gets cool and pleasant—between 5am to 8 am and 7 pm to 10 pm. Most importantly, don’t forget to shut the windows and draw the curtains during the hottest hours of the day!
Swap The Sheets
The preferable choice of fabric for your bedding matters a lot over these hot and humid months. Flannel sheets and fleece blankets are good for insulation but cotton or linen is a smart move for your bedding as it breathes easier and helps you stay cooler during this time of the year.
Exhaust The Fans
Keep your bathroom and kitchen’s exhaust fans busy, so that they pull out the hot air that rises after a hot shower or post cooking.
Opt For Indoor Plants
If all fails, return to nature. Add indoor plants to your living space as they can help cool the room and purify the surrounding air. It is one of the best ways to cool the room naturally, without AC!
Skip Heaty Appliances
Every appliance produces heat in some capacity. Whenever you can, avoid utilising equipment that has the potential to produce residual heat. Consider using electric irons, dishwashers, hair dryers, and water heaters. The type and standard of the room’s lighting is another element that is frequently disregarded. Opt for LED bulbs as they produce the least amount of heat to aid in the cooling process. Always turn off the lights when not in use!
Image source: Berger paints, Architectural Digest, Exchange4Media