Climate change has left the world suffering regular heat waves during summer. It even affected places that are usually cooler, such as the UK. This change of weather comes as a surprise for everyone and it is no wonder if you hear old folks telling you that the summer months of yesteryears weren’t as sunny as the ones we experience today. The situation deteriorates year after year, so you need to be well prepared for unprecedented hot summer months in 2020 and beyond.
Don’t get this wrong: A little warmth is great especially because we are getting ready for the wet winter months, but too much of it can make our living spaces unbearable. And because humans design houses to keep themselves warm, any additional warmth is always an unwanted bother. A temperature that is not ideal troubles anyone, whether you are a UK renter who has just moved to this country or you are the landlord having to deal with these complaints.
No worries, though, there are always possible solutions to overcome such weather problems. This article seeks to help you and your pets stay cool this summer without having to rely on energy-guzzling cooling appliances that only add to your carbon footprint. It also gives you tips and ideas on how to offer the best house for renting.
1. Block out direct sunlight
The more direct sunlight your indoor spaces receive, the higher the indoor temperatures will be. Block it out by placing heavy curtains and blinders on the windows or by calling a siding contractor to install proper siding in the house that absorbs the heat and does not let it penetrate the house. You will achieve better results by installing reflective window panels, but you will need a bigger budget for that. However, this is a worthwhile investment that lasts for a long time.
2. Change your beddings
Flannel sheets and fleece blankets aren’t ideal for summer and especially if you have pets. They are excellent for insulation, but summer isn’t the season for withholding heat in the bedroom. Lock up all insulation textiles in a drawer (until next winter) and replace them with the more breathable cotton. This will also be good for your pets who love to jump and play with you in the beddings. Complement that with a couple of buckwheat pillows because, unlike conventional pillows, buckwheat pillows do not keep much of your body heat. If you are interested in renting your house, make sure you leave extra beddings for the people who will come to stay there.
3. Install fans
Fans might not cool the entire home, but they can keep the space around you cool by blowing away warm air. They also enhance the evaporation of sweat, consequently dipping your body temperature and that of your pet. Buy a few portable fans and be carrying them whenever you go within the house. Ceiling fans can also be helpful, but you have to set them in a counterclockwise rotation so that they can effectively push down cold air and blow warm air out of the room.
4. A little water wisdom can help
This is a little old school but placing bowls of water strategically around the house can help cool hot air. However make sure to place them in areas not reachable by your pets, otherwise, they will play with it.
5. Leverage plants
Indoor plants are natural air conditioners because they pump moisture into your spaces. Bring in as many plants as your space allows. You, however, must be prepared to care for the plants otherwise they will die. You can also invest in trees and other outdoor plants if you have a yard. Tall plants can generate a cool breeze around your home and keep temperatures low. Their disadvantage is that they can make your home excessively cold during winter. You can also take care of your plants indoors, LED grow lights are useful in helping you grow your plants inside.
6. Minimize indoor cooking
Using the oven or the stove indoors in summer will heat the whole space. Minimize the need for that by taking your cooking outside, ordering takeaways, or eating no-cook meals like salads more often.
If you don’t have the space for a barbeque and outdoor cooking, substitute the stove and/or oven with a small microwave. Microwaves do not emit any heat when running. Kitchen remodeling might also be necessary if you need to improve air circulation in the kitchen. You can also buy a couple of table or floor fans for the kitchen.
7. Keep your body temperature in check
Sip tasty iced drinks to keep your body temperature in check. Dress as minimally as you can (strip down to the underwear if you can). Place a cold cloth on body parts with strong pulses, e.g. the neck and wrists. Avoid cuddling at night.
8. Invest in a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat will keep the indoor temperature as cool as it needs to be, so you don’t end up wasting energy and inflating energy bills. The thermostat will switch off when no one is home and turn on when most appropriate, so the indoors are comfortable and habitable when you need them to be.
9. Keep the lights off
Light bulbs produce heat. Keep them off whenever you can use natural light. This will also prove beneficial to you as you will not only help save the environment but also save money for yourself. Incandescent lamps produce the most heat, so it helps to replace them with CFLs or compact fluorescent lamps.
10. Keep the windows open
It is hot outside, but cross-breezes are common in summer. Keep those windows open to allow that breeze in, especially at night. Besides, a little more fresh air is always welcome.
Conclusion
Summertime sunshine is fun for outdoor enthusiasts, but people aren’t made just for the outdoors. We have to run home for shelter during the day and safety at night. If you don’t want to overwork the air conditioner or break the bank for energy bills, the ten tips above will help keep your rented home cool and comfortable all day long.
