BC has already broken heat records this summer, and we’re not even half way through the season. If you are like most of us here in the Valley, you don’t have a/c. But that’s ok, because we’ve created a list of a few tip and tricks to help keep you and your home cool during those blistering hot days.
Keep those blinds closed!
As simple as this tip may seem, up to 30 percent of unwanted heat comes from your windows, and utilizing shades and curtains can save you up to 7 percent on bills and lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees!
Blackout curtains.
Blackout curtains block sunlight, naturally insulating the rooms in which they’re installed. Neutral-colored curtains with white plastic backings help to reduce heat gain by up to 33 percent!
Keep doors closed.
Closing off rooms will prevent cool air from permeating these areas during the hottest part of the day. You’ll want to capitalize on the cooler night hours, too, letting air flow naturally through your home.
Set your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise.
Did you know that your ceiling fan needs to be adjusted seasonally. Set to run counter-clockwise in the summer at a higher speed, the fan’s airflow will create a wind-chill breeze effect that will make you and your guests feel cooler.
Focus on the temperature in your body, not the house.
From sipping iced drinks to applying a cold cloth to strong-pulsed areas like your neck and wrists, cooling yourself from the inside out is not a bad idea..
Turn on your bathroom fans.
Or the exhaust fan in your kitchen, for that matter. Both pull the hot air that rises after you cook or take a steamy shower out of your house or apartment.
Sleep downstairs if possible.
Heat rises, so hit the downstairs couch or basement, or put your mattress on the floor if the air feels cooler down there.
Let the night air in.
During summer months, temperatures may drop during the night. If this is the case where you live, make the most of these refreshing hours by cracking the windows before you go to bed. You can even create a wind tunnel by strategically setting up your fans to force the perfect cross breeze. Just be sure to close the windows and blinds before things get too hot in the morning.
