As we near December we get an unbearably hot day every now and again that reminds us why it is that we curse the Australian summer each year. Our first instinct is to reach for the air conditioning remote and set the unit as cool as possible until goose bumps appear on our skin. Aircon can add a huge amount to our electricity bills and negatively impact the environment (ironically, only making it hotter!) Before winter we gave you some tips for how to warm up your home during frosty weather, so here are tips on how to cool down your home when the heat becomes too intense.
Block out the sun
It sounds obvious, but the sun is the source of heat. By stopping the sun from getting inside you will prevent inside warming up. Use curtains lined with block out fabric to prevent the sun and heat getting into your home.
Another way to limit the sunlight that is hitting your windows is to put up an awning or patio, or to plant large, bushy trees that protect windows from direct sunlight increasing the internal temperature of your house.
Once the sun is setting and the temperature cools down, open up your doors and windows to let afternoon breezes through your house to cool down the rooms overnight.
Change your bedding
In winter you may have changed your bed covers to flannel and fleece. As we come back into summer, switch back to cotton sheets. Cotton is a lighter fabric that breathes more and can cool down with external factors that will in turn cool you down.
Change your internal temperature
Refrain from drinking hot drinks; instead opt for a chilled drink. Choose clothing that will keep you cool instead of layers. Place a cold flannel or ice pack over your wrists or the back of your neck. These are all ways that you can call yourself down even if the room you’re in is hot.
Reach for the fan
Most people see the aircon as a superior method of cooling and have done away with fans in their home, but fans are still very useful. Fans are much cheaper to run than an aircon unit. If it becomes too hot for a fan to cool a space on its own, use it in conjunction with the aircon. This will circulate cool air to make the temperature even lower, meaning that the aircon can be set at a slightly higher temperature and use less electricity, and cost you less.
Avoid a high electricity bill that you can’t afford to pay without going into debt after summer. If you need help managing your debts, get in touch with us on 1300 237 669 or online here.