How to cool your house down in summer

South Africa experiences summers like no other. With the balmy, tropical weather of the coastal regions and the dry heat of the highveld, homeowners need to keep cool during these months. While the country is still going through bouts of load shedding, it can be difficult to run an air conditioner all the time. So what do you do when the temperature is rising? 

 

 

When it comes to cooling methods that don't require electricity, it's best to put some forethought into your design methods and adopt the prevention is better than cure approach. One of the simplest ways to do this is to choose your blinds and drapes carefully. Allowing a free flow of air while providing shade is an effective way of allowing your home to remain cool. 

 

Keeping your windows covered prevents direct sunlight from penetrating your home and warming the place up even further. Avoid blinds and drapes as a whole if you're going for the modern, minimalist look and instead tint the windows. Adding shade outside your home by installing awnings and outdoor screen protectors is a great way of preventing additional heat by up to 65%. 

 

 

Running your aircon for at least 15 minutes before the day is at its hottest can keep a cool atmosphere intact for longer. Keep your windows closed when the sun is at its peak during the day and open them as soon as the temperature drops for the air to circulate. You can also open windows and doors at opposite ends of the house to create a cross breeze. 

 

 

If you have a standing fan, you can hang a freshly washed, cool sheet in front of the fan. This will provide a comforting scent of clean linen while acting as a cooling unit. A large bowl of ice or frozen water bottles could also be placed in front of the fan to provide a chilled atmosphere. 

 

For those who are more adept at DIY, using a fan with two plastic bottles filled with ice and cleverly attached to the back of the fan will serve as a perfect replacement for an AC system. This nifty hack works best with desk fans or fans with a wide surface area. 

 

 

An abundance of house plants can have a cooling effect on rooms by emitting their own liquid. This naturally cools and purifies the surrounding air. This process of transpiration can refresh a dull, stuffy room and breathe life (literally) into the surroundings. The best plants to cool a room are: 

As well as infusing the room with a much-needed pop of greenery, you will be inviting purified air into your abode. These plants will help keep your rooms cool and breezy throughout the year. 

 

 

Try cooking your meals at night when it's coolest, so you don't encourage extra heat during summer's peak hours at midday. Spending less time in your kitchen running the stove or oven can greatly reduce the feeling of heat that permeates the house. Try lighter dishes that require less cooking time like salads and sandwiches. 

 

The same goes for washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and other heavy-duty electrical appliances. These emit a warmth that can add to your discomfort during the day, so get your chores out the way at night to make for an easier, cool day. 

 

Spending time in your beautiful home and enjoying the warmer days entertaining and making memories is what summer is all about. You can find the house of your dreams this holiday season with a trusted RealGlen Properties practitioner. Contact us today and make a good move. 

Author REALGLEN Properties