7 tips to help you beat the heat this summer
As you might have noticed, this summer has been a scorcher, and it’s only set to get worse. While we Kiwis love the sun and the longer days, the heat can be unbearable and can affect our health (think heatstroke) and our budget (using the AC constantly racks up the power usage!). To help you beat the heat and stay cool this summer season, we’ve put together some tips to try.
1. Swap out your bed sheets
If you’re spending your summer nights tossing and turning because of the heat, your sheets might be to blame. Opt for lightweight sheets and bedding materials that are more breathable. Cotton is a decent option, but if you really want to beat the heat, look for linen, bamboo, or percale sheets. Linen breathes remarkably well and has excellent moisture-wicking properties, while percale somehow always manages to feel crisp and cool to the touch.
2. Turn off the gadgets
Every appliance and device in your home generates some level of heat, which can contribute to the overall temperature of your indoor living spaces. Keep your home cool by switching off your heat-producing appliances if you're not using them. Remember that appliances still drain energy when they're in standby mode, so keep gadgets switched off at the wall to save on your power bill over summer.
3. Close curtains and blinds
Block out direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day by keeping curtains and blinds closed. Keep them closed from early afternoon through early evening when the temperature starts to drop, paying special attention to the side of the house where the sun comes in. Blockout curtains are specifically designed to block out sunlight and are definitely worth considering.
4. Insulate your home
You've probably heard all about how insulating your home can help reduce heat loss in winter, but you might be surprised to learn that insulation is equally important for keeping your home cool over summer. Insulation acts as a thermal barrier, preventing cool indoor air from escaping and stopping warm outdoor air from getting inside. Most heat transfer takes place in your roof, which means it's the most important area to insulate, followed by the floors and then the walls.
5. Use your air conditioning wisely
If you’re lucky enough to have an air conditioning unit in your home, make sure you’re making the best use of it so as not to inflate your power bill. You can maintain energy efficiency by setting your air conditioner to a consistent temperature, ideally between 20 and 22 degrees. Avoid unnecessary adjustments, as this can lead to increased power consumption. Don’t forget to keep it clean and serviced too, as a well-maintained unit not only cools better but also consumes less power.
6. Drink plenty of water
You might automatically reach for a cold drink in summer, but some drinks can actually leave you more dehydrated. Fizzy drinks and alcohol can provide instant relief from the heat, but they’ll also leave you feeling worse off. Opt for water instead, and if you are enjoying a different beverage, swap it out for a glass of water every now and then to stay hydrated. Adequate water intake helps regulate body temperature and ensures optimal functioning, especially during hot weather.
7. Create cross-ventilation
If you have fans, position them near open windows to create cross-ventilation. This allows hot air to escape and lets cooler air in, making your indoor environment more comfortable. You can also create a cooling cycle by opening doors and windows that are on opposite sides of the room, but if the temperature is too high, this might simply result in heating up your home faster!
What are your top tips for keeping cool in summer?
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