Oofty, the weather’s really hitting it’s 4000C summer stride now, isn’t it. With summer set to be another ridiculous, global-warming-influenced (probs) heat inferno, it’s likely you’re already stressing majorly about the state of your room/home. Specifically, the absolute hotbox it is about to become.
While some heat can only be combatted by aircon or nifty tricks like putting ice in front of your fan (genius), there’s plenty of ways to prevent your home from heating up to crazy levels.
CLOSE YOUR BLINDS DURING THE DAY
Remembering to shut all your blinds before you go to work will help you big-time with keeping your place cool. It’s alleged that up to 30% of unwanted heat comes in through your windows, so blocking out the sunlight when you’re not around can help keep your place at a liveable degree level.
Blackout blinds are your best bet, but they’ll cost you. Even covering windows up with some dark sheets can work wonders though if you’re on a budget.
TURN STUFF OFF
Leaving computers, washing machines, TV’s and so on running all day can create plenty of excess heat. Turn off your appliances and devices when you’re not using ’em – this’ll also save you on your elec bill so bloody win/win, right?
DO SOME STRATEGIC WINDOW OPENING
If you open one window up the front of the house or apartment, and one down the back, you’ll create a draught – where the breeze moves through your house.
If you’re looking at just cooling your bedroom, open the window and your bedroom door, even if it’s just for an hour or so. You’ll notice the room cools significantly more than just opening the window up.
Also – open windows at night, as late as you can – not morning. Then you’re letting in the coolest air possible, instead of circulating more warm air through your house.
KEEP COOKING TO A MINIMUM
On hot days, try to eat stuff that doesn’t require the oven or stovetop, like salads. Popping the oven on or cooking up a stir fry’ll just add extra heat to your already hot place.
If you must cook using heat, open a window instead of just flicking on the overhead airing system. Whatever you can do to channel heat out of the kitchen is going to help you.
HAVE A COLD SHOWER
Having a cold shower right before bed will cool down your body temp, and you’ll likely find the indoors temp of your room less stifling. See also: drinking a cold glass of water before bed, wetting your feet and allowing them to air dry, and putting ice on your pulse points for a bit.
Basically, whatever you can do to cool yourself down from the inside-out.
