How to Keep Your Home Cool in the Summer

It is that time of the year when the temperatures are at an all-time high. While the heat has us staying indoors more than being outdoors, there is no respite from the sweltering summer indoors either. Here are some simple ways in which you can alter your homes to make them more summer-friendly. What’s better is that these tips are easy, eco-friendly and economic.

Reduce surface area exposed to the sun
If you are living on higher floors, or your roof is exposed to the sun, the temperature indoors is going to be quite high. It is advisable to cover the roof with plants and create shaded areas that will prevent the absorption of heat. The mud in the plants soaks up the heat, preventing the increase in temperature. Likewise, it would be ideal to introduce plants in your balcony. They cool the air, cleanse it and make the space more welcoming during the hot summer days.

Use colour to deflect light
A time-tested strategy to deflect heat – use light colours both indoors and outdoors to make your spaces cooler. White is the best option as an exterior paint as it deflects heat. Using a light colour palette indoors – ranging from summery shades of light colours like yellow to pastel hues of the same will keep your indoors cool and breezy looking.

Replace heavy upholstery
Pack away thick rugs, heavy drapes, and synthetic bedspreads as all these absorb a lot of heat. These are not suited for summers and are best avoided. Replace these with lighter, natural fabrics like cotton and jute. They are eco-friendly, easy to find, and are ideal for the summers as they are both skin-friendly and do not soak up heat.

Declutter
Our psychology plays an important role in diverting our time. Often, a crowded room invokes a sense of claustrophobia. The more the number of items, the more heat they tend to absorb. Hence, decluttering is essential if you want to make your home look cool and airy. Store away items that you do not need, leaving the bare essentials to use. This will make the space appear larger and allow better circulation of air.

Replace lights
More the number of lights, the more heat they release. Yellow lights tend to release more heat so it is advisable to replace these with white lights. Replace these yellow lights with LEDs and CFLs as they are more eco-friendly. Since the sun is out for a longer period of time, avoid using artificial lighting- this will not only help you save up on electricity but also keep your indoor spaces free of heat emitted from lights. It is also advisable to service air conditioners at regular intervals to keep your home cool this summer.

Switch off appliances
Electrical appliances emit heat when supplied with electricity. Every small step you take will help you cut down the heat emitted in your home making it much cooler. Switch off appliances when not in use.

Use solar power to keep you cool
Solar energy is one of the most efficient sources of energy that has still not been appreciated to its maximum capacity. Use solar panels to generate electricity to run fans, lights, etc. This is a very economic option that is eco-friendly too. It ensures that you are using the summer light to its maximum potential instead of depleting other forms of energy.