Hi there, time to share ways to keep your home cool during hot times
So ok, usual ways I use:
- open everything during night
- close everything during day
- external sheets on windows without shutters
- some curtains to prevent heat from going upstairs
I was also wondering if plants could also help inside, any ideas ?
Share your advices !
Air flow was key. Tried to get a good cross breeze from one end of the house to the other (unless the breeze is also hot). At night, we’d use a box fan in the window or door to get all the hot air out. If you can block your exterior walls/windows from getting direct sunlight, that should help. Curtains work (or you could also just place objects or plants in front to block the sunlight). Alternatively, you could install one of those large roll up sun shades for a more permanent solution. Did that for a few windows that get a lot of sun and made a big difference.
From personal experience, the following made a difference (but some will have a lot higher cost):
From what others have told me:
Stuff that only sort of worked:
Probably makes a big difference. I just measured my patio, grass and driveway temps today with an infrared themometer. Grass was 109, patio was 123, and the blacktop was a whopping 148. My wife has been talking about using a cream or neutral gray finish on the driveway, and a 20 degree difference is definitely worth it.
Yep, it’s a low-tech decision that’ll pay dividends. Same reason I’d opt for a white or lighter colored car if it’s going to be parked outside.
Should’ve also mentioned roofing shingles as well. See a lot of houses with dark roofs just soaking up sunlight.