Keep your cool during the summer months with these top tips
Real Estate In Motion | This summer in Australia could be one of our hottest on record, and with summer only a few months away, now is the time to loo...
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Keep your cool during the summer months with these top tips

This summer in Australia could be one of our hottest on record, and with summer only a few months away, now is the time to look at ways of avoiding your place turning into an oven. With some simple adjustments, tips and maybe a helping hand with some changes around the house, you can enjoy summer comfortably. (According to the experts.)

Insulate



Whether it’s roof insulation, underfloor insulation or insulation batts, spending a little extra now and having a tradesperson come in and install some insulation could save you a lot in cooling energy bills over the summer.

Shade unprotected windows


Most of the heat in our homes can come in through unprotected glass. A good idea is to look at options to limit the sun from beating into the house and quickly heating it up. Having pergolas, awnings, shade sails, sunshades, shade cloth or outdoor blinds put in outside of the house will work. Alternatively, lightly coloured indoor curtains and blinds are also a good, reasonably priced option. Another great idea that is also economical is to perhaps plant a few deciduous trees in front of the window. When they're fully-grown, you will benefit from the shade in summer and when their leaves shed, you can have unobstructed sunshine in the colder months to warm the house. Other options that may cost a little more but could save you in energy bills in the long term are having window shutters, roller blinds or outdoor blinds installed. Getting window tinting installed is also a more permanent solution if the sun is very harsh.

Open the windows at night


Often in summer we can get some very pleasant and cool evenings after the sun goes down. Take advantage of this time and open the windows before you go to sleep. In the morning, close the windows before the day starts to heat up again and the house will stay cool for a little longer. It’s also a great way to get some fresh air circulating inside the house.

Paint in light colours


If it’s an option for you, choose to paint the outside of your house in lighter colours and choose lighter coloured bricks if you happen to be building. Darker colours absorb heat substantially compared to lighter colours. Think about this also when deciding on colours for curtains and blinds, sunshades, shade cloths, shade sails and even mechanical window shutters.

Use fans


Even if you have an air conditioner, it’s a good idea to have a fan going to circulate the cool air around the house. It might save you a little money by cooling the house more quickly because you shouldn't need to have the air con on for so long.

Keep your air conditioner maintained


Before summer starts, make sure you have your a/c unit serviced and well cleaned by a professional so that it is efficient and in perfect working order before you turn it on. Units can often gather dust during the months they aren’t being used so having the dust removed will ensure fresh, cool air all summer long. The last thing you need is the a/c breaking down during sweltering conditions.

Get cool and creative


Try other means of keeping cool that don’t cost money. Wear fewer clothes around the house, keep cold bottles of water, wet towels and ice in the fridge, take a cold shower or bath before bed, set up an inflatable pool in the backyard and jump in.

Build a gazebo or outdoor canopy


Summer is all about enjoying the great outdoors after all, but don’t let the heat keep you inside, especially later in the day when the sun goes down and it’s time for a barbecue. Build a gazebo or put up a canopy that will keep you sheltered, and provide a great spot for summer entertaining.

Turn off non-essential appliances


Try to limit the use of the oven or stove for cooking, as these produce huge amounts heat - another great excuse to get outside and cook on the barbecue! Also look at other devices around the home that are big energy (and therefore heat) producers and switch them off. Switch your halogen lights to LEDs to save energy, heat and money.

Tile


You might find the dog lying on the tiles regularly during summer, and he/she is probably doing it to keep cool. You may even feel like joining. If you have carpet all throughout the house, it could be adding to the heat retention. It might be an idea to look at having a small section of tiling done in the living room, hallway or entrance to the house.