How to keep your home cool this summer

Summer in South Africa can be extremely hot in most areas. Keeping yourself and your home cool during this lovely season is not difficult at all. Here are a few suggestions on how you can keep your home cool this summer: 

Reduce the sunlight coming in
Limit the "greenhouse" effect. The temperature in your home is increased by the direct sunlight coming in. Curtains, blinds, and reflective window panels can contribute to keeping the sun out and the room cool. By reducing the sunlight coming in you will reduce the warmth in the space. 

Turn off lights when not in use
The light bulb in the room produces heat that you could do without during summer. It is wise to switch off lights when you are not using them as they will add to keeping your home cool as well as save you on electricity bills. Recent trends have seen homes install solar panels to help minimize the cost of electricity. Switching off electronics that you are not using also helps as heat is a normal by-product in almost all gadget in this age. The less heat that is produced leads to a cooler interior. 

Open up those doors
In the winter, closing doors can help keep heat in specific rooms, however, in summer you need to open up the doors in your home. By doing so you allow air to flow freely through rooms and through the entire house ensuring a cooler home for you and your family. You can capitalise on the cooler night hours by allowing air to flow naturally through your home.

Keep windows open
Open the windows in your home to allow air to move freely through the structure. Often referred to as cross-ventilation, this process helps reduce the high temperature in your home. Again, let the cooling night air into your home via your opened windows. 

Plant trees
While planting a tree will not have immediate effects, but within the time it will provide shade and add colour and beauty to your home. A well-placed tree will also block out the direct sunlight hitting your home and will in return keep your humble abode cool during the summer. 

Freezer tricks
A great way to keep cool this summer is by placing your sheets in the freezer for a few minutes before you go to bed. Be sure to place your sheets in a plastic bag before you pop them in the freezer as you do not want them getting wet and smelling awful. Keeping with bedding, it is wise to keep away from satin and silk and opt for light-coloured cooler bed linen and cotton sheets. 

Clean air conditioner filters
In summer the air conditioner is used more which results in the filter being more in use than usual. Changing the air conditioner air filter regularly during the highest use months can allow for air to flow much better through your system. In turn, this allows your air conditioner to run more efficiently and saves energy. 

Keep hydrated
It is vital that you maintain good hydration during the summer as you will be losing water through sweat. Keep a jar of juice or bottled water in the fridge at all times. Try to avoid drinks that will dehydrate you like hot caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea, or alcohol. 

Feeling the heat? Need a bigger home? Contact Knight Frank today! Our team of area specialists will help you find you the ideal home that you can keep cool during the summer heat waves.