Refreshing the house in summer when temperatures are so high seems like an impossible mission, and the only option seems to be turning on the air conditioning to turn the house into a freezer and forget about the next quarter’s bill. This option is going to be very expensive, in addition to being harmful to the planet. It is important to know that high energy consumption combined with cooling homes produces one of the largest emissions of greenhouse gases and global warming in recent years. We can take into account some of these recommendations to keep the house cool, save money, and be environmentally friendly.
Tricks to naturally refresh the house:
– Open the windows: The most obvious way to let fresh air into your house is by opening the windows. It is a simple but effective way to circulate fresh air in your house and get rid of stale air. If you live in a heavily trafficked area, it may be difficult to open the windows, but you can open them early in the morning and late in the afternoon when traffic is minimal.
– Eliminate odors: If your house smells bad, it is essential to eliminate the source of the odor instead of covering it up. For example, if the kitchen sink smells bad, pour baking soda followed by vinegar down the drain to eliminate the odor. If you have pets, regularly clean their bedding to keep your house smelling fresh.
– Try blocking the sun and heat: A good way to cool the house is to keep the blinds closed or hang blackout curtains to block the sun during the hottest hours of the day when it is strongest. Another good idea is to protect windows with large potted plants or plant trees that provide shade to the house to prevent heat from entering. If possible, consider applying insulation to the roof, as it will help retain heat in winter and cool the house in summer.
– Keep your house dry: Mold can cause a musty smell in your house. Keep your house dry by fixing any leaks or water damage. Make sure to ventilate the bathroom and kitchen well to prevent excess moisture buildup and keep the house cool and dry.
– Install ceiling fans: Set the fans to rotate counterclockwise to push hot air down and create a cooler environment. You can use them at a higher speed and as a complement to other cooling methods. This will make a big difference in helping to refresh the house. When buying fans to cool the house, choose ones with fewer blades, as they are more efficient. Choose a fan with three or four blades. Also, remember that longer blades will provide better results.
– Avoid using the oven: When cooking, using the oven heats up the room to 400 degrees, and burners emit heat. Therefore, it is important to consider which appliances you are using in the summer. Try using an outdoor grill or steamer to cook. If you need to use the oven and there is no other option, wait for the air to be cooler in the evening and open the windows. This is another way to cool the house and avoid adding heat to the kitchen.
– Change the light bulbs: Incandescent bulbs produce a significant amount of additional heat. Change them to low-heat or LED bulbs that do not generate heat, last longer, and are more efficient in cooling the house.
– Incorporate outdoor shade: Adding shade to keep the house cool is very important. The goal is to block direct sunlight from entering through your windows. You can achieve this by adding more plants or trees or installing an awning to keep the sunlight away from the windows. This is a way to increase the value of your home and enhance its appeal. Awnings come in various forms, such as fixed or retractable, concave or arched. The costs vary depending on the material, which can be fabric, metal, or polycarbonate.
– Refresh your bedroom: To sleep better on hot nights, use a standing fan to push cool air towards your bed while you sleep. This will help maintain your body temperature balanced or lower it, allowing you to sleep better.
– Use appliances properly: All household appliances generate heat, so it is a great idea to use them at night or early in the morning. If it is a sunny day, avoid using the dryer and hang the clothes on the clothesline instead. This is a way to save energy and money. Additionally, appliances plugged in still generate heat even when they are turned off or not in use. Remember to unplug appliances at night or when you don’t need them.
Following these recommendations, you will be able to refresh your house in summer if you don’t have air conditioning. By considering these alternatives, you will save energy and be environmentally friendly.
