Summer’s great until your house starts feeling like a sauna. There’s nothing worse than tossing and turning at night because it’s too hot to sleep or dragging yourself through the day feeling sweaty and sluggish. The good news? You don’t need to fork out loads of money to cool your home down. There are a few simple tricks that can make a big difference without costing a fortune.
Think about your roof
You might not think about it much, but your roof plays a massive role in how hot your house gets. If it’s not in the best shape, heat can sneak in and hang around. That’s why it’s worth getting it checked. Companies like Mac’s Roofing can help you figure out if your roof is doing its job properly or if it’s time for a few upgrades. A decent roof can keep the heat out, lower your energy bills, and stop your upstairs turning into an oven.
Close the curtains
It sounds obvious, but it works. If the sun’s blasting through your windows all day, it’s basically turning your home into a greenhouse. Try keeping your curtains or blinds closed during the hottest part of the day, especially if they’re thick or blackout ones. It stops the sun from heating up your space and gives your fans or AC a bit of a break.
Open the windows at the right time
Don’t leave all the windows wide open all day. That’s just letting warm air in. Instead, crack them open early in the morning and later in the evening when it’s cooler outside. You’ll get a nice cross-breeze if you open a few in different rooms, and that can make a bigger difference than you’d think.
Swap out your bedding
Heavy duvets and flannel sheets are not your friends in the summer. Stick to lightweight cotton or linen. They’re breathable and way more comfortable when it’s warm. Even switching your pillowcases can help if you’re waking up sweating every night. And if your mattress keeps heat in, think about getting a cooling mattress topper. They’re cheaper than a new bed and can really help.
Use fans the smart way
A fan on its own just pushes hot air around unless you’re clever about it. Try placing a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of the fan. As it blows air over the ice, it gives off a cooler breeze. Also, make sure your ceiling fans (if you have them) are spinning counter-clockwise. That pushes cool air down instead of just moving it around.
Give your appliances a break
Ovens, dryers, even computers give off heat when they’re running. Try using them less during the day, especially in the afternoon when it’s hottest. Cook outside if you can or stick to no-cook meals like salads. Your kitchen and the rest of your house will stay a lot cooler for it.
Not everyone loves the summer heat and if that applies to you, try some of these methods to stay cool and relaxed this summer!
