The heat is becoming unbearable, so much so that fans won’t just cut it. The sales of coolers and air conditioners have shot up. Kathmandu has never felt so hot and oppressing. Even the random rains, and there have been plenty, don’t do much to bring down the temperature. Many people the ApEx spoke to confessed of taking multiple showers in a day or having the cooler or AC on all day which dries out their skin. According to experts, the hot weather is only set to get worse so it’s best to be prepared. Here, we have a list of things you can do to summer proof your home that have been tried and approved by our readers.
Don’t underestimate the power of cross ventilation
Cross breeze can really cool at home, but most of us underestimate its power and don’t open enough or the right windows. In the morning, open the curtains and the windows, making sure windows that are opposite each other aren’t shut. This helps bring fresh air in and push stale air out. Cross ventilation can significantly cool a room and reduce the need of fans or air conditioning. The only thing to keep in mind is that the outlet opening should be equal in size or larger than the inlet opening. This facilitates efficient airflow.
Strategically close the curtains
Most of us open the curtains after we wake up in the morning and close them when it gets dark at night. But did you know that closing the south facing and the west facing curtains during the hottest part of the day can help keep the heat out? You can also install blinds in the windows in these directions to keep sunlight out during hot afternoons. Close your curtains or blinds from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you are going out, close the curtains to keep the rooms from heating up. This simple trick can help you lower your electricity bills.
Use natural and light fabrics
Have you ever sat on the leather sofa during the summer? Do you recall how sticky and uncomfortable the experience was? Materials like leather, suede, silk, and polyester tend to trap heat thus making for uncomfortable summer upholstery. We’re not suggesting that you change your couch if you have a leather or a PU one. You can simply put a throw, one that is made of linen or cotton, over it. Switch out your cushion covers from thick velvet ones to those made from hemp, linen, or cotton. Light fabrics are more breathable and allow for better airflow. Experience better sleep during the summer simply by switching to lighter bedsheets and pillow covers.
Use fans efficiently
Fans help cool a space by moving air around but most of us use it to cool down by blowing it directly on our faces and bodies when we feel hot. This usually dries out our nasal passages, throats, and skin as well. It’s a good idea to set up fans in places where air seems to be stagnant or use them to draw outside air to warm areas of the house by placing them in the direction of the breeze. Make sure the blades run in counterclockwise direction. You must also use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to keep hot air from mixing with indoor air and leading to overheating. Turn them on without fail when cooking or taking showers.
Treat your roof
One of our readers used large tarps to cover the rooftop of our house. This, she says, made the bedrooms at least a few degrees cooler. You can opt for a UV reflective paint that can help bring the temperature down of the entire house. There are many options available in the market these days. Roof guard coatings help reflect harmful UV rays and limit heat absorption. Alternatively, you can also set up large umbrellas to cover major areas or install shades to keep sunlight from directly shining on the roof. Choose your options considering your budget but term solutions are usually one-time investments.
Avoid heat-producing appliances whenever possible
If your house is feeling impossibly warm during the summers, try giving your heat producing appliances a miss whenever possible. The stove, oven, and even the clothes dryer generate a lot of heat when used. Go back to the traditional way of hanging your clothes to dry in the sunlight. Try to have simple meals that don’t require much cooking. Limit the use of the oven. You can even opt to use an outdoor grill to barbecue meat and vegetables. Switch up your cooking routine by choosing meals that don’t require heating like salads and sandwiches. Avoid extended uses of small appliances like toasters, sandwich presses, and even microwaves.
Outdoor changes for indoor cooling
We tend to focus on cooling our houses from the inside, but we forget that there are a few important things we can do to keep the heat from coming in. One of the easiest ways to prevent outdoor heat from moving indoors is to plant trees and large shrubs in your garden or in large planters by your windows and doors. Consider planting trees and shrubs in the south and west directions of your home. If you have a cemented patio or an outdoor area, consider updating it with some porous material as this will allow rainwater to absorb into the ground and lower temperature through evaporative cooling effect. Install an awning or pergola to shield the west windows from hot afternoon rays.
