Summertime is a time for fun in the sun, but it can also be a time when your home becomes quite uncomfortable.
Keeping your home comfortable this summer doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to stay cool and comfortable all season long.
Is Your Home Too Hot this Summer?
Smart Way Airconditioning can help you keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
Summer in Sydney can be relentless, but staying cool and comfortable is effortless with SmartWay Air Conditioning. As the leading specialists in air conditioner installation, we offer a seamless, efficient, and professional service tailored to your home or business.
Our expert team installs split systems, ducted units, and commercial air conditioning with precision, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency. With years of experience, a customer-first approach, and a reputation for excellence, we make sure your comfort is our top priority.
We use industry-leading technology, premium-grade materials, and a meticulous approach to ensure your AC system runs smoothly all year round. Contact us today for a free estimate.
12 Tips on How to Be More Comfortable this Summer
Reducing Heat Gain
Blocking direct sunlight is an effective way to reduce heat gain in your home. Consider installing external shading devices such as awnings, umbrellas, or solar screens. These can be placed above windows, doors, and walls to block direct sunlight and significantly reduce heat gain. Additionally, using light-colored curtains or blinds can help reflect sunlight, keeping your home cooler.
Another effective method is applying window films or tinting. These films block UV rays and reduce heat gain while also cutting down on glare and improving energy efficiency.
For a natural solution, planting trees or installing a trellis with vines can provide shade and reduce heat gain, making your home more comfortable and eco-friendly.
Invest In An Air Conditioning Unit
Find a reputable company and get an air conditioning system installed for all-year-round comfort in the heat. It is the most effective way to cool down your house. To find a reputable Sydney air conditioning supplier, just follow the tips in the linked blog.
Use Ceiling Fans To Circulate Air Around The Room
A fan is one way to stay cool. Adjusting the fan speed can enhance the cooling effect efficiency, with higher speeds providing maximum airflow during hot weather. Effective air movement, facilitated by natural breezes or mechanical fans, can promote evaporation and improve thermal comfort. You can also try placing a bowl of ice in front of the fan to cool the air as it passes through the ice.
Circulating the air in your home is one way to stay cool. You can accomplish this by using a fan. Fans circulate the air, making the room feel cooler. You can use a ceiling fan, floor fan, or portable fan.
Another tip is to keep your ceiling fans running in a counter-clockwise direction. This will create a wind-chill effect that will make the room feel cooler. You can also try using a humidifier. It will help add moisture to the air and keep your house cool.
Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Drinking fluids, especially water, is important to stay hydrated. When you are properly hydrated, your body can regulate its temperature better. Water is the best choice, but you can also drink iced tea, lemonade, or fruit juice. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to stay cool and comfortable this summer. Furthermore, avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol as they can actually cause you to become dehydrated.
Take A Cold Shower
A cold shower or bath can help you cool down on a hot day. This will help lower your body temperature and make you feel more comfortable. If you don’t want to take a shower, you can also try soaking your feet in cold water.
Eat Light and Healthy Meals
Spicy foods can make you feel hotter, so it’s best to avoid them during the summer. Instead, try to eat lighter meals that are easy to digest. Fruits and vegetables are always a good choice, and plenty of summer recipes use these ingredients.
Roof Space Cooling
Roof space cooling is another effective passive cooling strategy. Installing roof ventilation systems can help remove hot air from the roof space and bring in cooler outside air. This reduces heat gain in your home and improves overall comfort.
Reflective roof coatings are another option. These coatings reflect sunlight and reduce heat gain, helping to lower energy consumption and improve energy efficiency. Additionally, installing insulation in the roof space can keep the area cooler, reduce energy consumption, and lower your energy bills. By implementing these strategies, you can create a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.
Spend Time in An Air Conditioned Place.
If you need to cool down quickly, spend some time in an air-conditioned place. This will help lower your core body temperature and make you feel more comfortable. Make sure to dress appropriately, though, as you don’t want to get sick from being in a cold environment for too long. You can watch a movie or spend more time on yourself while to avoid boredom in your home.
Open Windows at Night When It’s Cooler Outside
At night, the temperature usually drops, so open your windows to let in the cool air. This will help circulate the air and make your home more comfortable. During the summer, temperatures may drop at night. If this is the case in your area, take advantage of these icy cool breeze hours by opening the windows before going to bed. You can even make a wind tunnel by strategically positioning your fans to create the ideal cross breeze. Simply close the windows and blinds before it gets too hot in the morning.
Don’t Use Appliances Often
Appliances, such as the oven and dryer, emit heat. So, during the summer, try to use them less often. Instead, opt for air-drying your clothes or line-drying them outside. Using your oven or stove in the summer will raise your home’s temperature. If your house is already 100 degrees, the last thing you want to do is turn on a 400-degree oven.
We all know that good sleep necessitates cooler air. Those constantly running computers, the TV you left on, and all the gadgets you used right before bed generate heat. Unplug it if you don’t need it overnight. Simply leave your surge protectors plugged in for storm protection.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Sealing gaps and cracks in your home is a crucial passive cooling strategy. These gaps can allow warm air to enter and cooler air to escape, making your home warmer and increasing your energy bills. By sealing these gaps, you can keep your home cooler and reduce energy consumption.
Use weatherstripping, caulk, or spray foam to seal gaps around windows, doors, and walls. Installing door sweeps or threshold seals can also help seal gaps under doors. Reducing air leaks can account for up to 30% of energy loss in homes, so sealing these gaps can significantly lower your energy bills and keep your home cooler.
Be Prepared for Power Outages
Summer storms can lead to power outages, so it’s important to be prepared. Invest in a generator, and make sure you have plenty of fuel on hand. You should also have a supply of non-perishable food and water. And, if you have any medical needs that require electricity, be sure to have a backup plan in place.
Signs and Prevention for overheating
If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous, this may be a sign that you need to cool down. You may also sweat more than usual, and your skin may feel hot and dry. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to take a break from the heat and cool down as soon as possible.
- Feeling flushed or warm
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
Tips to Prevent Overheating
There are several things you can do to prevent overheating. First, try to stay in cool or air-conditioned environments as much as possible. If you must be outside, make sure to stay in the shade and drink plenty of fluids.
Also, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day. And, if you know you’ll be in a hot environment, dress appropriately by wearing loose, light-colored clothing. Finally, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Ceiling insulation can also help prevent overheating by regulating indoor temperatures and preventing heat transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the health risks associated with overheating?
Yes, there are a few health risks associated with overheating. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to cool down as soon as possible. Overheating can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be dangerous. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately. When safe, open your windows and doors to let in some air.
Is it possible to prevent heat-related illnesses?
Yes, there are a few things you can do to prevent heat-related illnesses. First, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Second, try to avoid being in the sun for prolonged periods of time. Take breaks often if you are engaging in activities that make you sweat. Don’t forget to check on elderly family members and neighbours during heat waves.
What are passive cooling techniques, and what are their benefits?
Passive cooling techniques, such as insulation, shading, draught proofing, and ventilation, are effective ways to maintain home comfort during warm weather. These techniques can significantly reduce reliance on active cooling systems, thereby lowering energy costs during the summer months.
How can you deal with summer heat?
To deal with summer heat, consider strategies like improving insulation, optimising window design, draught proofing, and enhancing ventilation to reduce heat gain and maintain comfort indoors. Additionally, landscaping can provide natural shade and help mitigate the effects of summer heat.
Conclusion
As the weather starts to heat up, it’s important to take some precautions to stay cool and comfortable in your home. If you follow our tips, you can keep your energy costs down and enjoy a relaxing summer without feeling too hot or stuffy. We hope you have a great summer!
We’re always happy to help. Thanks for reading!
