The heat seems to have arrived in full force, and keeping the house cool can be a real challenge. In this context, Velux, a brand of roof windows, shares in a statement key strategies to help keep the heat outside and comfort inside homes.
“With small changes and smart choices, it is possible to create a cooler, healthier, and more comfortable environment — without resorting excessively to air conditioning,” the company points out.
Here are five tips:
- Reduce heat right at the entrance with exterior shutters – “The most effective way to keep the house cool during the summer is to prevent heat from entering. This is exactly what exterior shutters do, blocking up to 96% of solar radiation before it reaches the window glass, helping to reduce the indoor temperature by up to 5ºC. The result? A cooler, more comfortable, and efficient environment. In addition to controlling the heat, exterior shutters provide complete blackout and reinforce thermal insulation, contributing to a quieter and energetically balanced space, even on the hottest days.”
- Create natural air currents with cross ventilation – “Having windows open during the day is not always the best solution to refresh the house. The real secret lies in cross ventilation: opening windows on opposite sides of the house, either early in the morning or late in the day, creates a natural air current that helps to renew and refresh the environments effectively and effortlessly. The best times to ventilate are in the early hours of the morning and after 9 p.m., when the outside air is cooler. During the day, it is ideal to keep shutters or curtains closed to protect the spaces from direct solar radiation and maintain a more pleasant temperature inside.”
- Use plants to refresh and purify the environment – “More than decorative elements, plants play an essential role in the comfort of the house. Besides bringing life to the spaces, they help to naturally regulate the temperature and air quality indoors. By releasing water vapor, they create a subtle and constant feeling of freshness. Species like ferns, palms, or philodendrons are particularly effective in this process. A medium-sized plant can release up to half a liter of water per day, cooling the surrounding air. Placed near windows or in strategic spots in the house, plants help to soften the heat in a simple and aesthetically pleasing way.”
- Avoid internal heat sources in daily life – “Not all the heat inside the house comes from outside. Many appliances used daily — such as ovens, stoves, or even incandescent lamps — also contribute to heating the environment. During the hottest hours, it is advisable to turn off what is not essential and make more conscious choices. On hotter days, it’s ideal to opt for light and fresh meals, like salads or cold dishes that do not require the use of heat in the kitchen. Lighting can also make a difference, so the use of natural light is recommended whenever possible, or alternatively, LED lamps, which produce less heat and consume less energy.”
- Control humidity to keep the air lighter – “Even when the heat is not extreme, excess humidity can make the environment heavier and uncomfortable. In such situations, a dehumidifier can be a great ally: it helps to balance the levels of humidity in the air, creating a lighter, fresher, and more breathable atmosphere. It is particularly useful in rooms with poor ventilation like bathrooms or interior bedrooms. More than an immediate comfort issue, preparing the house for hot days is a way to take care of day-to-day well-being. A thermally well-managed environment can help reduce the use of air conditioning, protect furniture and fabrics from the wear caused by heat, and ensure a healthier and more welcoming home for the whole family.”
