As summer rolls in, many folks look forward to backyard barbecues, splashing in sprinklers, and soaking up long sunny days. At the same time, soaring temperatures can make indoor and outdoor spaces pretty uncomfortable. With high heat becoming the norm, finding smart ways to keep our homes cool is more important than ever.
Tackling heatwaves
When heatwaves hit, keeping your home comfy becomes a real challenge. It’s not just about surviving the hot days but also getting a good night’s sleep. Sure, fans are a popular choice, but they’re only one part of the cooling puzzle. Homeowners are often on the lookout for different methods that promise to beat the heat.
One interesting idea is to rethink how we handle airflow and sunlight at home. Joseph Holman, CEO of Green Doors, shares his two cents with his “caveman method” (a nod to how caves stay cool due to their darkness and lack of direct sunlight). He suggests that thinking of your home like a cave can really help during those sweltering days.
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Getting into the caveman groove
The caveman method is all about cutting off heat by keeping windows and doors closed during the hottest parts of the day. Holman advises folks to “reduce sunlight and stop the movement of outside air inside” (basically, keep the hot air out). By blocking the intrusion of hot air, this technique helps keep things cool without overworking your cooling appliances.
Holman also points out that turning off lights can help reduce extra indoor warmth—not only does it save energy, but it also helps lower the temperature. Despite what you might think, even areas that seem shaded can add extra heat if windows or doors are left open. So, managing these entry points is key to keeping your home comfortable.
AC and smart, long-term fixes
If you rely on air conditioning (AC), it’s a good idea to keep doors and windows shut tight to prevent the cool air from slipping away. But for those without AC, opening up may just let the hot air in instead of providing any relief.
For long-term fixes, Holman suggests investing in tinted films for windows and built-in blinds (which let you control light and heat without having to replace the whole window setup—just the glazing units need a change). Tinted films reflect heat away from the glass, and built-in blinds offer a flexible way to handle light and warmth.
Another tip from Holman is to consider modern reflective glass if you’re keen on sustainable cooling methods. Plus, installing roller blind canopies over doors can block direct sunlight and help keep your interiors cooler.
Getting set for future heatwaves
From personal experience with sweltering summers, it’s clear that planning ahead makes a big difference. Using approaches like Holman’s, homeowners can gear up to handle upcoming heatwaves. As he puts it, “A cave is cool in heatwaves because it is dark and doesn’t have direct sunlight or a direct entrance for the heat” (a simple reminder that controlling light and air can make all the difference).
Learning these methods not only gives you quick relief but also sets you up with long-lasting energy-saving tips for better living during hot spells. With summers getting hotter, using these inventive ideas becomes more of a smart move for enjoying the season comfortably.
Staying up-to-date on these cooling strategies lets you take charge of your home’s climate during extreme weather. By looking at both immediate actions and long-term improvements, everyone can enjoy summer without being bothered by the excessive heat.
