When the weather report says that a heat wave is on the way, it’s time to start thinking about ways to cool your home down. Turning on the air conditioning is one option, but it can get expensive if you keep it on all day long. Here are some alternative ideas that will help keep your home cool during the hot summer days.
Add some water features
One of the things that you can do to cool down your home is to add some water features. This could be anything from a small fountain in your backyard to a koi pond. The water will help to cool the air around your home and make it more comfortable to be outside. Just keep in mind that when you shop for outdoor fountains, you have to make sure that they are weather resistant. This means that they should be made out of materials that won’t rust or corrode in the sun and heat. For instance, stainless steel or cast iron would be a good choice, but not copper. This is because the former two materials are more resistant to corrosion, while copper tends to corrode easily.
Plant some trees
Another way to keep your home cool is to plant some trees. Trees can provide shade and help to block out the sun’s rays. They also release water vapor into the air, which can help to cool things down. If you don’t have a lot of space, you can always plant some trees in pots. Just make sure that you choose a variety of trees that are suitable for the climate in your area. For example, if you live in an area with hot summers and cold winters, you’ll want to choose deciduous trees. This means that they will lose their leaves in the winter and be able to provide shade in the summer. On the other hand, if you live in an area with milder weather, you can choose evergreen trees. These types of trees will keep their leaves all year round and provide some shade in the summer.
Install some awnings
If you have windows that get a lot of sun, you can install some awnings to help keep the heat out. Awnings are available in a variety of materials, so you’ll be able to find something that matches the style of your home. For example, you can opt for a traditional canvas awning or go for something more modern like an aluminum one. Just make sure that you choose a color that will reflect the sun’s rays and not absorb them. White is always a good choice for this. Awnings are also relatively easy to install, so you shouldn’t have any trouble doing it yourself. Just make sure that you get the right size for your windows and that you follow the instructions carefully. If you are not sure how to install them, you can always hire a professional to do it for you.
Get some window film
Another way to keep the heat out is to get some window film. This is a thin layer of material that you can apply to your windows. It will help to reflect the sun’s rays and keep your home cooler. Window film is available in a variety of colors, so you can choose something that will complement the style of your home. Just make sure that you measure your windows correctly before you buy the film. Otherwise, you might end up with a sheet that is too big or too small. If this is the case, then the film won’t be able to do its job properly. Just like awnings, window film is relatively easy to install, but you can always hire a professional to do it for you.
Use blinds or curtains
You can also keep your home cool by using blinds or curtains. They can help block out the sun’s rays and prevent them from heating your home. Just make sure that you choose a light color. This will help to reflect the heat instead of absorbing it. If you want to be able to control the amount of sunlight that comes into your home, then blinds are a better option. This is because you can adjust them to let in as much or as little light as you want. Curtains, on the other hand, are better if you want to block out all of the light. Just make sure that you choose a heavy material like velvet or denim.
Set up a fan
Another way to cool down your home is to set up a wall mounted fan. You can either use an electric fan or a ceiling fan. If you want to save on energy, then you should go for the latter option. Ceiling fans are more energy-efficient than electric fans, and they can help circulate the air in your home. Just make sure that you get a fan that is the right size for the room that you want to use it in. For example, if you have a small room, then you should get a ceiling fan that is around 36 inches in diameter. You can also try to get a fan that has a built-in light, so you can save on energy even more. In this case, the ceiling fan would serve two purposes – cooling and lighting.
Bring in some plants
Last but not the least, you can cool down your home by bringing in some plants. This is because plants release water vapor into the air, which can help to lower the temperature. Just make sure that you choose plants that are suitable indoors. Otherwise, they might not survive. Some good options include ferns, palms, and spider plants. You should place them in a spot where they can get plenty of sunlight, such as near a window. You can also learn how to install window boxes to add some greenery and enhance the aesthetic value of your home. Not only do plants help to cool down your home, but they also improve air quality by removing toxins and carbon dioxide from the air.
These are just a few of the things that you can do to keep your home cool during a heat wave. So, don’t wait until it’s too late to start thinking about it. Start making some changes now, and you’ll be glad you did when the temperatures start to rise. Rest assured that with a little bit of effort, you can keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
Published by HOLR Magazine.