5 Ways to Naturally Cool Down Your House During Summer

The season of shorts, swimwear, beach days and barbecues is here! Summer in Australia is loved by many, but it also brings with it blistering hot days, long sweaty nights and the ever-lingering temptation of the air conditioner. So if you’ve been wondering – ‘how can I keep my house cool in summer naturally?’ – then you’ve come to the right place. The article below outlines 5 cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways to beat the heat and keep your house cool this summer.

1. Batten down the blinds

Keeping your blinds, curtains, sheers and awnings closed on hot days is easy to do and doesn’t cost a cent (unless you don’t have any blinds in which case buying them will obviously come at a cost!) Preventing sunlight from entering your home can help to keep it cool, especially during the first day or two of a heatwave.

2. Off with the appliances

Another effective way to lower your house temperature in summer is by limiting the use of heat-generating appliances such as the oven, the clothes dryer and the dishwasher. Fire up the barbecue instead, hang your clothes on the clothesline and wash your dishes the old-fashioned way. It’s also a good idea to turn off appliances at the wall when they’re not in use. Appliances are said to still use electricity and generate heat, even when they’re on standby.

3. Keep doors closed

If your home is well insulated, keeping windows and doors closed throughout the day can help to keep your house cool. But be sure to take advantage of colder temperatures overnight by opening up windows in the evening to allow cool air to flow through your property.

4. Bin those traditional light bulbs

Most have been phased out in Australia, but if you happen to still have any incandescent light bulbs kicking around, consider replacing them with LED bulbs. LEDs are said to last longer, use less energy

and emit less heat. They do cost more than traditional bulbs, but they are also more durable and up to 85% more energy efficient. *

5. Bigger changes to keep things cool

If you’re interested in making long-term changes to keep your house cool during summer in Australia, you might like to consider planting shade trees to keep your windows and walls out of the sun. Cooler walls and windows result in less heat permeating your home and can also help to reduce energy consumption. Be sure to ask a landscaper, arborist or an expert at your local garden centre about which trees to plant, how many to plant and where to plant them to ensure that your home receives the right amount of shade without damaging the property’s foundations.

Awnings are another great way to keep your house cool during the warmer months. Whilst having them installed over windows and outdoor areas costs more than simply closing doors and turning off lights, they protect your home’s exterior from the elements, including the sun’s harsh rays. They also help to prevent your interior furnishings from fading and can also add value to your home.

So if you’re keen to keep your house cool this summer, but would like to reduce your energy bill and carbon footprint in the process, resist the urge to reach for that air-con remote and give one of the above tips a go.

* https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/home-improvement/lighting-electrical/how-to-choose-energy-saving-light-bulbs

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