Keep your homes cool this scorching summer
Summer is fast approaching—the season I dread the most. I love cold weather but I struggle with the heat and the harsh sun.
I used to live in a home with a front garden and a sprawling backyard filled with plants. November, December, and January were wonderful months for me, but by the time March, April, and May arrived, the intense heat made things very difficult. My big Labrador retrievers in that home were always susceptible to heat stroke. My American Bully, Tiger, sadly passed away due to severe heat last summer.
For this season, let me give a few tips on how to keep cool this summer.
Maintain your ACs
Have all your AC units checked as early as February. This must be done yearly at least, and the best time is the month right before summer.
It doesn’t matter if you use a split type or window type. What matters is that the AC is properly computed for each space—meaning, the cold air is sufficient. I used to have a split type in every room with a small window type AC as well as back up.
Reduce heat
Tint your windows or install reflective film to reduce heat.
Choose your window treatment wisely. This should be able to deflect heat and protect you from the sun. There are window shades that have a reflective back to deflect heat.
Seal air leaks
Check your walls and window frames for any cracks or gaps. Seal these with a caulk and weather stripper. Check your AC compressor if it’s right by your window—a gap might be present. This defeats the cooling effect of the AC.
Keep your space breezy
Install fans, ceiling fans and floor mounted fans are quite helpful to go with your AC.
An air cooler is also a good heat deterrent especially for outdoor terraces. Air coolers usually have an ice compartment. It is ideal to use this outdoors instead of indoors, especially if you have paintings. Moisture will stick to your artwork.
Paint some of your walls in cooler or lighter colors. This creates an illusion of airiness.
Minimize heat sources
Unplug unused appliances. Some of these can generate heat, so it is better to unplug them when not in use.
Try to avoid cooking with the oven. Try the grill or kamado grill by the terrace or use your toaster instead of the big oven to prevent your home from getting too hot.
Make sure that all your bulbs are LED. Incandescent lights just generate heat.
Improve airflow
Ensure cross ventilation. Open your windows to allow air to flow. Make sure you do this at night when the weather is at its coolest.
Get a dehumidifier. This appliance regulates indoor moisture levels and helps make the air feel cooler, reducing heat and humidity.
Use natural solutions
Use potted plants to provide natural freshness in your home. The more the merrier, but always take note of plants that may be poisonous to your pets.
Create cooler spaces
Unused rooms should be kept closed. When the airconditioner is on, you waste cool air if it flows into rooms that are not being used.
Make sure your mattresses contribute to the cooling of your space, as some mattresses can retain heat.
Light, pure cotton bedsheets are best. These are my biggest indulgence–sheets. The better the cotton quality, the cooler they feel because they dissipate body heat. Sheets made of Pima or Egyptian cotton are breathable and durable.
The author is the founder of Chat Fores Design Studio, an award-winning and recognized interior designer known for redefining and elevating spaces. She specializes in residential, hospitality and amenity spaces for different real estate companies. Chat has also collaborated with international design firms to create residential interiors in Manila
