Tips for keeping your home cool this Summer
Friday 13th January 2012 - 3:02pm
As the mercury in the barometer continues to creep up over the summer months, it can be all too easy to blast the air-con and reduce your home to sub zero temperatures. However, once that electricity bill comes back, you’re sure to be feeling hot under the collar again! There are a number of alternative methods you can use to cool down your home, and by investing in a few of these ideas, you’ll be feeling more comfortable in no time.
Ceiling Fans
Using ceiling fans to cool your home is more efficient than using air-conditioning. They are cheaper to buy and run, and can be just as effective. They work by increasing air circulation creating a breeze effect and ensure that cool air doesn’t sink below warmer air.
Shades and Blinds
The summer sun beats down from the east in the morning and the west in the afternoon. To block the rays and keep the heat out install multi-layered or thermal-backed curtains or use light-coloured shades to reflect the light.
Greenery
Not only does a green garden look attractive, it also helps shade the perimeter of your home. By planting broad-leaf trees, you can reduce the amount of direct sunlight hitting your windows in the Summer, but ensure the sun won’t be blocked out during cooler months.
Open up at night
Once the temperature drops outside of an evening, open up all the windows and doors to let the hot air out and cool your home naturally.
Window Glazing and Window Films
Window glazing is a handy way of reducing the amount of heat that will shine through during summer. Alternatively, reflective films can be placed on windows. These are cheaper and there are even DIY kits available. For best results, use glazing or reflective films on large unshaded windows that get a lot of sun.
Insulation
Without decent insulation, much of your home-cooling efforts go to waste. Installing insulation, in your roof and wall cavities not only helps keep heat out during summer, it also traps warmth in during winter.
So with a little investment, you can reduce your reliance on air conditioning and maintain a much more comfortable temperature at home this summer with the added benefit of using less energy and saving on your power bills!
If you’re living in an old established home that’s unbearably hot in summer and cold in winter you might want to consider building a new home. 6 star is now the minimum standard of energy efficiency for all new homes. Homes with 6 or more stars are more naturally comfortable meaning you will rely less on your air conditioner and heater and reduce your power bills in the future.
Commodore Homes is committed to helping the environment and reducing energy costs. Our homes come standard with full eaves to the entire home, insulation to all living areas and garage and most of our homes come with a gas boosted solar hot water system and a solar photovoltaic energy system. Ask our New Home Consultants for more details today and by next Summer you could be in a new home that is naturally 10 degrees cooler.