Your DIY Guide to Keeping Your Home Cool During the Summer
There are a number of DIY projects that you can undertake to ensure that your home is at the perfect temperature during the summer.
27/01/2020
Whenever the temperatures begin to soar, it can almost feel like your home is being turned into a furnace. This certainly isn’t a comfortable way to live, especially if you have small children around. They are especially sensitive to heat.
Well, the good news is that you don’t have to suffer any longer! This is because there are a number of DIY projects that you can undertake to ensure that your home is at the perfect temperature during the summer. Here are the top changes you can make:
Paint Your Roof
Although you may have painted your home numerous times, there is a good chance you haven’t considered painting your roof. Well, if you are serious about keeping your home cooler, then this is exactly what you need to do.
See, most roofs are either grey or a similarly dark shade. This is a problem because dark colours absorb light and heat. So, when the sun is out in the full force, your roof is actually pulling all that heat into your home. Painting the roof a lighter colour – preferably white – is a good way to counteract this phenomenon.
Now, if possible, you should try to find a paint that is specifically meant to reflect heat and light. This will help you to really keep your interior cool. In case this paint isn’t readily available, though, white roof paint will work in a pinch. Just make sure that you select a paint that is specifically meant to withstand the elements.
Switch Up Your Light Bulbs
Have you made the leap to energy-saving light bulbs yet? If not, then you need to make the switch immediately. As you are probably aware, energy-efficient bulbs use up less electricity. Due to this, they allow you to save money on your monthly and yearly utility bills.
However, the advantages don’t end here. Energy-efficient bulbs don’t just use less electricity, they also give off less heat. So, by replacing all the bulbs in your home, you can make sure that less heat is generated, as a whole.
In turn, you will not have to work as hard to keep your house cool. Making the switch to more efficient bulbs will especially pay off during the night time.
Check Out Your Ceiling Fans
Do you have a ceiling fan in your home? If so, you may want to take a closer look at it. In particular, look for a switch that may be located just about the blades. If your fan does have one, you are in luck. It means that you can switch your ceiling fan to “summer” mode.
What many people don’t know is that some ceiling fans have been designed for the summer and the winter. During the summer, the fans need to blow air directly downwards. For this to happen, the blades need to turn in a counter-clockwise direction.
Thus, the first thing you need to do is to observe the direction in which the blades are turning when the fan is working. If the blades are moving in a counterclockwise direction, then you are all set. In case they are not, simply flip the switch and wait for the fan to start working its magic.
Strategically Use an Air Conditioning Unit
Sometimes, you just have to give in and buy a cooling unit. Fortunately, you can find the best cheap portable air conditioner without too much of a hassle. Once you have it, you need to know how to use it properly. This way, you can ensure that you get the most out of your unit.
First things first, make it a point to turn on the unit when it is relatively cool in the day. You shouldn’t wait until the house has really heated up. Understand, when you turn on the unit at the right time, it will not have to work as hard to keep your house cool. Thus, you can chill out without having to worry too much about your electricity bills.
If you are trying to cool down a specific point such as the bed or the couch, then move the unit a little closer to that spot. You can then be certain that the area will cool down more quickly than the rest. In case you want to cool down the room as a whole, turn your ceiling fan on as well. This will help to distribute the cool air more evenly. Not to mention, it will also ensure that the warm air at the top will get pushed down and then cooled by the AC unit.
Insulate Glass Windows or Doors
Do you have large glass windows and doors? If so, you will have discovered that it can be a blessing and a curse. While these features let in a lot of natural light, they let in a fair amount of heat as well. Therefore, the only thing left for you to do is to insulate these areas.
Of course, insulation can get a little
pricey. So, if you aren’t quite ready to make
that financial commitment just yet, you will be
pleased to know that
there is an alternative.
You can make your own panels of reflective
material. Then, place these at your windows
during the hottest parts of the day. The
sunlight will be reflected back, keeping the
house nice and comfortable.
For this
project, you will simply need to make panels out
of wood. Naturally, these will need to be the
same size as your glass doors or windows. Then,
glue reflective material to these panels. You
can then use and remove them as needed.
Install an Awning
Another option to keep the sun away from your
windows is to install an awning outside them.
Or, at the very least, you can set up an awning
outside the largest windows and doors. This will
severely cut down on how much sunlight reaches
the house.
This is a good option for anyone
who wants to cool down their home without
plunging it into your darkness. So, if you still
want to let some natural light in, this is a
strategy you can consider.
As you can see, you don’t have to contend with the sweltering heat for much longer. Simply use as many of these tactics as you want and you will be able to settle in more comfortably.