Keeping cool in Summer is essential.. it gets hot and humid on the Sunshine Coast! While air-conditioning and ceiling fan solutions are sure to solve the problem, there are also a range of actions to take to make sure your home isn’t getting any hotter than it needs to. Here are 5 suggestions on how to keep your home cool in Summer:
Block Out the Sun
Close curtains or blinds, especially during peak sun hours, to block direct sunlight. Also, by strategically planting trees and bushes near your home, or creating shade, you can limit the impact of direct sunlight from warming the house and create cooler pockets of air which will affect your internal temperatures.
Create Cross Ventilation
Open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a cross breeze, allowing warm air to exit and cooler air to enter. Timing is important. Keep windows closed during the hottest part of the day and open them at night or early morning when outdoor temperatures are cooler. The goal is to try to replace warmer air inside the home with cooler air – or keep cooler air inside the home when it gets hot outside.
Use Light, Breathable Fabrics
Swap out thick, insulating fabrics for light, breathable cotton or linen for curtains, upholstery, and bedding. Using white or light-coloured fabric covers for couches, chairs, and beds means less heat is absorbed compared to darker colours.
Cool the Floors and Surfaces
Remove thick area rugs and carpets. They retain heat and can make the floor feel warmer.
Lighting Choices
Minimise indoor lighting – switch to natural light during the day and avoid using incandescent lights, which generate more heat than LEDs or CFLs. Talk to our team if you would like to discuss a lighting upgrade.