Summertime and the living is easy. Well, apart from the heat, the beating sun and the mosquitos. Here are a few tips to keep things cool this summer – from mounting curtains, blinds or AC to getting the right type of indoor plants and more DIY tricks.
It’s that time of the year when most magazines will try to shame you into getting your body summer-ready. Well, first, no. Second, and more importantly, it’s fundamental to get your home ready so you can enjoy the hot season the English way – with sunburns, Pimm’s, and relaxation.
And where mounting an AC unit might be an easy solution, it’s also not a very environmentally-friendly or cost-friendly one. So check out our ideas on how to keep your home cool this summer for some comfortable staycation.
Install blinds or dark curtains
Light equals heat – just ask any physicist. So shutting out your curtains or blinds during the day – especially if you’re not at home – will keep your home 2 to 3°C cooler in just a couple of hours. And because installing curtains or blinds is never an easy task, don’t shy away from asking a local helper.
Time for tinfoil
Did you know adding tinfoil to your windows can help block out light as well as reflect it. All you need to do is give your windows a quick spray of water and place your tinfoil with the shiny side facing out.
Ice, Ice baby
Placing a bowl of ice behind your fan can help blow a cool breeze.
Lets freeze
Placing your hot water bottle and bed sheets in the freezer and taking them out just before bed time can help cool off in no time.
Flower power
It’s no surprise that flowers and trees keep the air cooler. If you have a backyard, that’s great, and you should invest in climbing plants to cover your walls. When thinking about indoors, some plants are known to bring in more fresh air than others, thanks to the fabulous science of photosynthesis: among them are ferns, aloe vera, Aglaonema, and devil’s ivy.
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Hang a wet sheet in front of an open window
That’s it, that’s the trick!
Turn off your electronics
Don’t charge your computer all night, turn off the TV completely, and put them in the shade as electronics tend to overheat very easily.
Get rid of incandescent light bulbs
Switch for LED bulbs which are more environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and release less heat.
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Clean your fridge and freezer ventilators
This applies as well to your AC unit if you have one. Ventilators accumulate a lot of dirt, which means the appliances will have to work harder to keep cool inside and produce cold air and therefore overheat.
Close air gaps
You would be surprised how much air might come through your windows, entry door, garden door, and even in the cracks between the walls and the floor if you live on the ground floor. The easy solution to close the air gaps is weather strips and seals – which can be made out of rubber or metal. It will also help you in the winter with keeping the heat inside.
No more slow-roasted chicken
Sorry! Change your menu to avoid using your oven as much as possible, which drastically increases the temperature in your kitchen.
Get nice non-metal garden furniture
If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony or a garden, read our 10 tips on how to style your outdoor space without breaking the bank and do all you can to make it comfortable and appealing by having new outdoor furniture.
Hire a Tasker to assemble your garden furniture
