8 Tips to Keep Your Home Cool in Summers

Chilled drinks, bright clothes, sunglasses, beaches, and fresh fruits are images that pop up in our heads when we mention the summer season. For children, it's time to indulge in their favourites whereas adults can savour the mango season, sit back and enjoy in their air-conditioned homes, binge-watching watching their favourite shows.

There is an often over-dependence on appliances, such as air conditioners, coolers, and refrigerators, come summertime due to the heat outside, causing them to be overburdened, which is not suitable for our environment. There is a significant increase in greenhouse gases, causing issues such as global warming and climate change. 

Over the years, manufacturers and governments have tried various ways to reduce emissions from appliances, whether introducing energy-efficient systems or using the energy rating system by giving stars to systems that meet the energy criteria. However, the time has come for us to be equally responsible for our environment and take the necessary steps to reduce our overreliance on electronic appliances during the summer months.

Here are 8 tips to keep your house in summer

1. Use Heat Blocking Curtains

The traditional way would be to close the blinds between late morning and early evening. Nevertheless, advancements have made simple products like curtains have categories, too, one being heat-blocking curtains. Helping insulate your house, these pieces of cloth contain heat blocking fabric to protect the room, preventing air from entering or leaving. 

2. Use Heat Reflective Paints

These specific paints aim to reduce the roof temperature, acting as a thermal insulating roof coating. These aid in reflecting sunlight and have higher solar reflectance. For example, shades of aqua and pastels are ideal for the summer.

3. Use Energy Efficient Fans

While ceiling fans have been part of our homes since time immemorial, you can choose from window fans, smart fans, and tower fans to add that extra chill to your spaces. Though they may not be as effective as air conditioners, they are more cost-effective, consume less energy, and are portable.

4. Use Plants to Keep the House Cool 

One of the most underrated methods when beating the heat. Plants can reduce the earth's temperature via photosynthesis and transpiration. 
An inexpensive and environmentally friendly way, here are five houseplants that could help keep your home cool.

• Ficus Benjamina
• Chinese Evergreen
• Mother-In-Law’s Tongue
• Ficus Elastica
• Palms

5. Bedding Ideas During the Summer

Using bedsheets of cotton, linen, lyocell, and bamboo fabric help keep you cool during the summer nights. Ensure proper ventilation and airflow in the room. Ensure to dim your lights during sleep time.

6. Keep Your Home Neat and Tidy

Remove any clutter present, keep things in order, and have a minimalistic approach. Segregate the unwanted stuff, either offering them for recycling or donation. Open the windows between 5 AM and 8 AM and night between 8 PM and 10 PM, as the wind is relatively more relaxed.

7. Use Subtle Lighting 

Below are some summer lighting tips.

• Outdoor Lanterns
• Pendants
• Landscape Lighting 
• Landscape Lighting Lighting Kits

8. Switch Off the Running Electronics in the Room

Remember to switch off all your gadgets before saying your goodnights, whether it be your laptop or television. Keep the update for the morning as these electronics produce significant heat, making your room further unpleasant.

Though avoiding appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators may seem a tall task, one can at least reduce the over-dependence on them. Simple practices such as keeping the AC between 24°-27° could help too. It’s time we take equal responsibility for protecting our environment and stop passing the buck.