You Don't Have To Empty Your Pockets To Keep Your Home Cool In Summer

Summers are all about feeling sweaty and cursing the sun. While air-conditioners can provide you respite, you can’t possibly keep them on 24x7 at home. It is neither cost-effective nor healthy. Contaminated air-conditioning systems can aggravate asthma and allergies, says Dr. Mark Mendell, an epidemiologist with the California Department of Public Health to the Time magazine.

So, what can you do to keep your home relatively cool during the day? Here are a few pocket-friendly tips that will help you beat the heat.

Cross-ventilation is a must

Let in the early morning breeze by opening your windows at the opposite ends of your living space. This will allow cross-ventilation, keeping your room cool. The best time to open the windows and doors during the summer months is between 5 am and 9 am when the sun’s not harsh and between 7 pm and 10 pm when the air is slightly cool.

Draw your curtains and blinds

An easy and effective way to keep the heat out during the day is by drawing your blinds and curtains. Let the early morning sunlight seep in, for it helps kill germs and brightens up the room. But draw your curtains and blinds by late morning when the sun starts getting stronger. You can again open them once the sun sets.

Opt for darker curtains

If you’re planning to redecorate your home, replace light-coloured curtains with thick black-out blinds or double curtains, which will keep the sunlight out, insulating the room and therefore making it cooler. Tinted films on your windows can also keep the heat and light out.

Get the green advantage

Keeping plants indoors and outdoors can help regulate the temperature of your house. They not only shield the house from harsh sun rays but also add freshness to your living space. Studies are now looking at the role of indoor plants in reducing stress.