Feeling the Heat? Follow These Tips to Keep Your Home Cool Even Without AC During Hot Weather
The transitional season with its unpredictable weather is certainly making you quite tired. From non-stop rain to scorching sun that makes you sweat, it's indeed one of the issues affecting mood and daily activities. Room coolers like ACs are a solution for those relaxing indoors. However, for those without room coolers, don't worry; these tips can help make your home feel cooler.
1. Window Curtains
Windows serve as both air circulation and light sources in the house. However, the heat from the sun during the day can make the space feel hot. Closing the curtains will lower the room temperature, making the house cooler. This is especially helpful for houses with windows facing west and south.
2. Unplug Unused Electrical Cords
Various electronic appliance cords plugged into outlets generate heat. If these cords remain plugged in but unused, they continue to conduct electricity and emit heat, affecting the room temperature. Although it may seem simple and minor, it does impact the room.
3. Turn Off Lights and Use Natural Light
Lights themselves also produce heat. While they provide sufficient illumination indoors, it's advisable to turn them off when not needed. Make use of natural sunlight during the day.
4. Change Bed Sheets or Mattress Pads
Sleeping can feel stuffy and hot at times. Not changing the mattress pad might be one of the issues. Changing the mattress pad not only freshens up the room but also cools it down. Choose materials like cotton for sheets to allow air circulation in the mattress. Pillow material also affects your sleeping environment.
5. Open Windows Before Sleeping at Night
If the air inside the house still feels stuffy at night, open your windows before sleeping. Allow the night air to come into your room for a few hours to make it cooler. Creating airflow also affects the ambiance in your bedroom. However, remember to close your windows when going to sleep to stay safe.
6. Add Shades or Shading to the Outside of Windows
In addition to window curtains, window shades on the outside provide protection from the sun's rays. Having these shades helps reduce heat by up to 70%, especially for windows facing west and south.
7. Plant Protective Plants Outside the House
Trees or plants not only help cool the room but also make the house feel more refreshing. Trees block the sun's radiation from entering the house. This tip beautifies the landscape and lowers the temperature inside the house.
8. Repaint the Walls or Roof of the House
The exterior of the house, including the walls and roof, affects the interior. Repaint the walls or roof with light colors. Colors on the walls, especially the roof, reflect sunlight and heat, helping to cool the inside of the house.
9. Trick the Ceiling Fans in the House
Even without using AC, fans can make a room feel cooler. One method is to place a bowl of ice water or ice blocks in front of the fan. This makes the air produced by the fan fresher and cooler.
10. Properly Adjust Ceiling Fans
For houses with ceiling fans, there's something to consider before purchasing a fan. Fans have a button to change the fan's direction, which affects the room ambiance. During the hot season, set the fan to rotate counterclockwise, so the air produced goes directly downward, creating a cooler atmosphere. In winter, the fan should rotate clockwise to circulate air within the room.