Beat The Heat Naturally: Room Cooling Ideas & Ways To Keeping the House Cool In Extreme Heat

From maximizing ventilation to using thermal curtains, these natural cooling ideas will help you beat the heat and keep your home cool in summer.

Published On Apr 28, 2024 | Updated On Apr 28, 2024

Image

As we approach the hot summer days, it becomes essential to figure out easy ways how to keep the room cool in summer. While using the air conditioner appears to be the easiest solution, it can be expensive and not eco-friendly. The good news is that there are numerous natural and energy-efficient ways to cool your space during the summer months. Keep reading for numerous ideas and tips on how to keep the room cool in summer without relying only on AC.

Image
  • Maximize ventilation: This is the easiest tip for how to keep the house cool in summer naturally. Opening windows and doors strategically can promote air circulation and create a refreshing breeze throughout your home. In the evening and early morning when the air is cooler, open windows on opposite sides of the house to allow for cross ventilation. You can also use fans to help circulate air and keep it flowing throughout the rooms.
  • Utilize shades and curtains: Direct sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase indoor temperatures. By installing shades, blinds, or curtains, you can block out the sun's rays and prevent heat from entering your home. Opt for light-coloured window treatments that reflect rather than absorb sunlight, and consider investing in blackout curtains for maximum heat reduction.
  • Strategic landscaping: How to keep the room cool in summer while adding an uplifting vibe to your home? Planting trees and shrubs strategically around your home can provide natural shade and help lower outdoor temperatures. While planting trees can feel like a stretch, plants do the job just fine. Positioning plants strategically can also create natural barriers that block hot winds and promote cooler air circulation.
  • Cooling essentials: Incorporating cooling essentials like ceiling fans, evaporative coolers, and portable air conditioners can provide targeted relief in specific areas of your home. Ceiling fans can help distribute cool air more efficiently and create a gentle breeze, while evaporative coolers use water to lower the temperature in a room. Portable air conditioners offer flexibility and can be moved to different areas as needed, providing an instant solution to how to keep the home cool in summer.
  • Optimize nighttime cooling: Nights often bring cooler temperatures, making it the perfect time to cool down your home naturally. Take advantage of the cooler air by opening windows and allowing fresh air to circulate throughout your home. You can also use fans strategically to draw in cool air from outside and expel warm air from indoors.
  • Limit heat sources: Appliances and electronics generate heat, contributing to the overall temperature in your home. To minimize heat buildup, try to limit the use of heat-generating appliances during the hottest parts of the day. You can also switch to energy-efficient LED lights, which produce less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Image
  • Invest in insulation: Proper insulation is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature year-round. Insulating your home effectively can help keep cool air in during the summer and prevent heat from entering from the outside. Make sure your attic, walls, and floors are adequately insulated to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.
  • Create a DIY air cooler: For a budget-friendly and eco-friendly cooling solution, consider creating your DIY air cooler using simple household items. One popular method involves placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan to create a makeshift air conditioner. As the fan blows air over the ice, it produces a cool breeze that can help lower the ambient temperature in the room. Isn't this a fantastic answer to how to keep home cool in summer?

  • Use thermal curtains: Thermal curtains are designed to block out sunlight and insulate windows, helping to keep rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. These curtains often feature multiple layers of fabric with insulating properties that can significantly reduce heat transfer and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
  • Create shade with outdoor structures: If your home has outdoor areas like patios, decks, or porches, consider adding shade structures such as pergolas, awnings, or umbrellas. These structures can provide relief from the sun's intense rays and create comfortable outdoor spaces where you can relax and enjoy the breeze without overheating.
  • Install a whole house fan: Whole house fans are installed in the ceiling of your home and work by pulling hot air out of the house and exhausting it through the attic. These fans can quickly and efficiently cool down your home by drawing in cooler air from outside and expelling warm air from indoors. They are particularly effective in the evening and early morning when outdoor temperatures are lower.
Image
  • Create a cool sleeping environment: Getting a restful night's sleep can be challenging during hot summer nights. To create a cool and comfortable sleeping environment, consider using breathable bedding materials such as cotton or bamboo sheets and lightweight blankets. You can also place a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle near your bed to help lower the ambient temperature and promote better sleep.
  • Cook and grill outdoors: Cooking indoors can generate a significant amount of heat, making your home feel warmer than necessary. To avoid adding extra heat to your living space, opt for outdoor cooking methods such as grilling or using a slow cooker. Not only will you keep your home cooler, but you'll also enjoy delicious meals cooked al fresco.

  • Seal air leaks: Air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings in your home can allow hot air to enter and cool air to escape, making it harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Seal any gaps or cracks with weatherstripping or caulking to prevent air leakage and improve energy efficiency.
  • Stay hydrated: Now that you know how to keep home cool in summer, it's time to keep your body cool. Staying hydrated is essential for regulating your body temperature and staying cool during hot weather. Encourage family members to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider offering refreshing treats like homemade popsicles or fruit-infused water to help beat the heat from the inside out.

Photo: Shutterstock