Summer can be such an exciting time. From going on a summer holiday, to just enjoying the beautiful weather and sunshine, there is so much to look forward to each and every summer. There is one thing, however, that most people do not look forward to and that is the intense heat waves, like the one we are experiencing now. Keeping cool during heat waves is not only important for our health, but so we can keep our energy levels up so we can actually enjoy the season and all it has to offer.
The first step to enjoying your summer during a heat wave is to make sure your home is always as cool as possible. For those of you don’t have AC or prefer not to waste your hard-earned money on always-rising hydro costs, we want to provide you with some clever techniques (aside from simply telling you to get a bunch of fans) on how you can keep your home cool in the summer during those hot days and nights.
Use Energy Saving Bulbs at Night and Use Daylight to Your Advantage
During hot summer nights, it’s important to keep cool so you can get a good night’s rest. Regular light bulbs can increase the temperature in a space by a significant amount, especially if you live in a small space. Use energy saving bulbs like LED lightbulbs in areas of your home you are in most frequently. During the day, make sure the lights are turned off and take advantage of the natural light from outside to brighten your home.
Keep Cooking to a Minimum or Cook Your Meals Outside
In the summer, using your oven can really heat up your home. During a heat wave, it’s best to keep your oven cooking to a minimum. Use your microwave as an alternative or invest in an inexpensive crock pot to cook your meals if you want to cook inside during hot days. If you have the option of using a BBQ or grill, then cook your meals outside. If you really want to use your oven, make sure you’re using it before noon or after 5 p.m. when the heat isn’t as intense.
Make Sure Your Ceiling Fans Are Being Used Correctly
Ceiling fans can provide great relief from the heat, but are you using them correctly? Each ceiling fan has a switch near the base that changes the direction of the air flow. In the summer, the fan should always blow in counter-clockwise direction so that the air is forced down, which makes you feel cooler.
Keep Your Blinds Closed During Peak Daytime Heat
It’s always the hottest from about noon, until the early evening, so make sure your blinds are closed during that time to keep your home from drastically heating up. If you hate the idea of closing all your blinds during the day and missing the view, consider adding something that will create some shade from the outside of your windows. An awning or overhang can provide some much-needed shade from the heat without compromising your view.
Unplug Appliances
Everything you plug into an outlet generates heat. In the summer, you should consider unplugging all the appliances you do not deem as necessary until you need to use them. If you think your oven doesn’t generate heat just because it’s not turned on, you are wrong, because even that little red glowing light and clock take up energy which produces heat.
We want you to make the most out of your summer, but in order to do that you need to feel comfortable. Using the techniques above may seem like little fixes, but they can drastically help keep your home cool during heat waves in the summer. One of the most important things you need to enjoy all the fun events and activities during hot summer days is a good night’s sleep, and if you’re tossing and turning at night because it’s scorching in your home, then your day may summer from lack of sleep. Make sure you follow these tips so you can enjoy the rest of the summer, because before you know it, it’ll be over and you’ll be looking outside at a mountain of snow wishing is was summer again!
