Beat the heat: Simple ways to cool your home
Feeling the summer heat? With the sun blazing and temperatures rising, we all wish our homes could be our refuge from this sweltering weather. Here are some ideas to keep your home cool this season.
Window treatments
Windows are primary entry points for heat.
If you live in a condo unit with windows facing the afternoon sun, maximize the use of curtains or shutters by keeping them closed during peak hours to prevent heat from entering.
Another popular solution is installing nanoceramic window films, which can provide up to 99 percent heat and UV rejection. The good news is that your view doesn’t have to suffer. Some nanoceramic tints offer enhanced privacy, making your windows appear dark from the outside while remaining clear from the inside, so you can still enjoy the gorgeous cityscape.
Optimize air flow
Release trapped heat by allowing air to circulate throughout your home. Open your windows to let in the cool morning or evening air and allow stagnant air to flow out.
Hold off on turning on the airconditioner just yet. Try placing a bowl of ice in front of an electric fan to help spread cooler air.
Fabric choice
Swap heavy, velvety bedding for linen and cotton fabrics that help your skin breathe. Tuck away carpets and area rugs for now and expose wood or stone flooring, which naturally feels cool.
Trade dark curtains for light-colored fabrics to deflect solar radiation while creating a more relaxed, carefree feel in your space.
Minimize internal heat
Not all heat comes from outside. Electronic devices and appliances emit “phantom heat” even when not in use, so make sure to unplug them.
Lighting fixtures also produce heat, so turn them off during the day if possible. You may also trade regular incandescent bulbs for LEDs to keep your room cooler while lowering electricity costs. If possible, cook when the temperature is lower and turn on your range hood to flush away heat from your stovetops.
Turn to nature
Nature is a gift that helps ease the summer heat. Indoor plants not only provide shade, they also release moisture into the air and act as natural humidifiers and coolers.
Bring aloe vera, snake plants, and ferns indoors and incorporate them as décor. Place them on shelves, tabletops, or in corners of your home. For those with gardens or yards, planting climbing vines or deciduous trees in sunny areas can create “living shields” that block the sun during summer.
The author has more than 20 years of expertise in designing interiors for homes, offices and retail spaces. Experience his designs by contacting him at +639178860983
