The arrival of warm weather presents a challenge in keeping homes cool without incurring high energy costs. While there are tips to maintain a more moderate indoor temperature, certain mistakes should be avoided.
“When the heat is intense outside, it’s essential to maintain a cooler temperature indoors. Air conditioning units are ideal for cooling but require a significant investment in purchase and installation. They may not always be a viable solution, especially for rented properties. Fans are often the alternative; however, they only move air around and do not truly cool the space,” DECO PROTeste explains.
Choosing the right fan can make a difference since they are among the most affordable and straightforward household appliances. Here are tips and precautions for making the right purchase.
To cool a home without relying on devices, some precautions are necessary. Often, out of distraction or lack of knowledge, people adopt habits that negatively affect their efforts to keep their homes cool.
The consumer protection organization pointed out common mistakes. Here are the errors to avoid:
- Leaving doors and windows open all day? – If you habitually open windows in the morning to air the house, close them once the outdoor temperature rises to prevent heat from entering.
- Keeping blinds and curtains open? – When it’s hot or when sunlight hits the house’s facade, blinds and curtains can block solar radiation if kept closed.
- Cooking or ironing during heat peaks? – Avoid activities that heat the house and produce steam.
- Running multiple devices at once? – Lamps, televisions, and computers emit heat. Turn off devices if the house interior is too hot.
- Gathering many people in a closed space? – Human presence in an enclosed area increases temperature. If three people are in the same room with several devices on, the heat can match that of a small heater.
- Closing windows because it cools down at night? – Sometimes, keeping a window open at night is the only way to cool the house down. Open opposite windows when possible to circulate air and cool the house faster.
- Not caulking windows? – Insulating windows helps keep heat in during winter but also prevents it from entering during summer. Opting for more efficient windows is ideal year-round.
- Not utilizing plant shade? – Use tall plants to provide shade near windows if available.
Learn what to do on the hottest days.
