If you aren’t living under a rock, you must be aware that there is a severe heat wave in India that has made summers unbearably hot, pushing temperatures to record highs and creating challenging living conditions for many. Forget about going out; living in the home has become a nightmare as the heat is relentless.

In such extreme heat, we all look for ways to keep our homes cool and pleasant. Even though it might feel impossible, there are several tips that can keep your home cool during the summer heat. Here are the top 15 tips to keep your home cool this summer.

1. Use Energy-Efficient Windows and Blinds

Windows can be a major source of heat gain in your home. Installing energy-efficient windows with double glazing can significantly reduce heat transfer. Additionally, using reflective or blackout blinds and curtains can block out the sun’s rays, keeping indoor temperatures lower.

Blinds and curtains also play a critical role in keeping your home cool. Reflective blinds, for instance, can bounce a significant portion of the sun’s rays back outside, thus reducing the amount of heat that penetrates your home. These blinds often have metallic coatings that enhance their reflective properties. Blackout curtains, made from thick, heavy materials, can completely block sunlight, making them effective at reducing heat gain, particularly in rooms that face the sun during the hottest parts of the day.

2. Optimize Ventilation

Proper Ventilation is essential for maintaining a cool home. Open windows and doors during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning and late evening, to allow fresh air to circulate. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to expel hot air and moisture.

In India, house sizes are quite small, so Ventilation is always an issue. Heat and humidity combined with a lack of Ventilation can lead to extreme discomfort and health problems, such as heat exhaustion, dehydration, and respiratory issues. In the summer, make sure your house has proper Ventilation and that fresh air is allowed to enter all rooms, especially the kitchen, as the kitchen becomes so hot that entering it becomes a challenge. Install exhaust fans in the kitchen to moderate its temperature.

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3. Install Latest Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can be a cost-effective way to keep your home cool. They circulate air, creating a breeze that can make you feel cooler even at higher temperatures. Make sure your ceiling fans are set to rotate counterclockwise in the summer for the best cooling effect.

Every house in India has ceiling fans, but most of them have been there for decades and are past their prime. To reduce the heat in the house, it is crucial to replace faulty and slow ceiling fans with modern and updated ones.

4. Utilize Natural Shade

Planting trees and installing awnings or pergolas can provide natural shade to your home. Strategically placed trees can block the sun’s rays from hitting your windows and walls, reducing heat gain and cooling your home naturally.

Using vines and greenery to create shade is another excellent strategy. Vertical gardens or trellises with climbing plants such as ivy, wisteria, or grapevines can create a green barrier on the sunny sides of your house, blocking and absorbing heat. These indoor plants grow along walls and provide a natural, cooling cover. Green roofs, which are covered with vegetation, can reduce the amount of heat absorbed by your home.

5. Use Heat-Reflective Roofing Materials

If you’re considering a roof replacement or building a new home, opt for heat-reflective roofing materials. These materials reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, keeping your home cooler and reducing the need for air conditioning.

6. Install Insulation

Proper Insulation is not just for keeping your home warm in the winter; it also helps keep it cool in the summer. Insulating your attic, walls, and floors can prevent heat from entering your home, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.

7. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and in the attic can let in hot air and allow cool air to escape. Sealing these openings with weather-stripping or caulk can improve your home’s energy efficiency and keep it cooler.

8. Switch to LED Lighting

Incandescent light bulbs produce a lot of heat. Switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs can reduce the amount of heat generated inside your home and lower your electricity bill.

9. Limit Use of Heat-Generating Appliances

Ovens, stoves, and other heat-generating appliances can raise indoor temperatures. Try to cook during cooler parts of the day or use alternative methods like microwaves, slow cookers, or outdoor grills. Additionally, avoid using appliances like dishwashers and dryers during peak heat hours.

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10. Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to set your air conditioning to run only when needed. You can program it to cool your home just before you arrive and increase the temperature when you’re away, saving energy and money.

At first, the programmable thermostat might feel like a big investment, but it will provide great returns in the form of reducing your electricity bill and keeping the home cool when needed.

11. Use Reflective Window Film

Applying reflective window film can reduce the amount of heat that enters your home through windows. These films reflect a significant portion of the sun’s rays, keeping your home cooler and protecting your furniture from UV damage.

12. Create a Cool Roof

A cool roof is designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof. Cool roofing materials can include highly reflective paint, a sheet covering, or reflective tiles and shingles. This can significantly lower roof temperatures and keep your home cooler.

13. Maintain Your Air Conditioner

Regular maintenance of your air conditioning unit can improve its efficiency and cooling performance. Clean or replace filters, check for leaks and ensure the unit is in good working condition to keep your home cool effectively.

14. Use Light-Coloured Paints

Light-coloured paints and finishes on your home’s exterior can reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. Choosing light colours for walls, roofs, and even your home’s interior can help keep indoor temperatures lower.

15. Create Cross Ventilation

Create cross ventilation by strategically opening windows on opposite sides of your home. This allows fresh air to flow through and push out hot air, naturally cooling your home. You can enhance this effect by using fans to direct airflow.Conclusion

Keeping your home cool during the summer heat requires a combination of smart strategies and practical solutions. If you’re wondering how to keep home cool during summer, implement these 15 tips, you can reduce your reliance on air conditioning, save energy, and maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Stay cool and enjoy the summer without the heat taking over your home.

Shivam Ahuja
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