*This is a collaborative post on eco-friendly ways to beat the heat in your home
Chances are, in the summer and winter months; you’re watching your smart meter very closely, making sure it doesn’t get too high. Considering the cost of energy and the fact that everyone needs to be eco-conscious, it’s understandable why you’d need to. The summer months seem only to get hotter, and sometimes it’s too expensive to get the AC out. So, one thing that you should try for your home is more eco-friendly and energy-efficient methods. Fortunately, here are some handy ideas you can try to beat the heat!
Ceiling and window fans are a great way to keep your house cool in the summer. These devices are inexpensive to run and provide a great wind chill effect. While they are less efficient than an air conditioning unit, they are still a good option. When shopping for ceiling and window fans, you’ll want to find a model that’s not too heavy or too noisy. While you are using energy to keep these going, it’s not that bad and can be very effective.
Blackout curtains are one of the most effective ways to make your house cooler in the hot summer months. They are also an eco-friendly way to save on utility costs. While these can help insulate your home and lower energy bills by blocking light and sound. They can also help prevent heat transfer from leaving the window and escaping through the wall. The sun hitting the window creates more heat, but the small draft from the windows (and doors) can have the same effect. Besides, blackout curtains can be used all year round and last for so many years.
White and summertime go together, and it’s not all about aesthetics either. Black and other dark colours attract heat, while white doesn’t. This is why people dress in white when it’s hot. This can benefit a home too. The use of white paint on the roof or walls of your home can help keep you cool in the hot summer months. So, how exactly does it work? White paint works by reflecting heat away from the building. It can be a dark or light colour. Generally, darker colours absorb more heat, while lighter colours reflect heat.
Commonly used in the summertime, you cannot neglect screens, and you can even go as far as getting automated screens if you’re a fan of smart home technology. It’s perfect as you can keep the bugs out while still enjoying the wind. These screens have a sleek, modern look that can easily blend into your home’s exterior. In addition to enhancing the look of your home, these screens will help you save money on your energy bills.
You may not know this, but if you can, why not look into a renewable energy source such as solar panels. While this is going to depend on your location and where you’re at, this could be a great way to have the AC on completely guilt-free!