Is the next heatwave already on the way? Everybody loves the idea of a warm summer, but when temperatures rise indoors too, your home can get uncomfortable. It’s hard to find relief when your home gets too hot. Granted, there are still iced drinks and fans, but there is only so much they can do.

Here are some tips you can try to keep the worst of the heat out of the way and ensure that you can stay comfortable without increasing your energy bill dramatically.





Consider the home’s thermal performance

Your home’s thermal performance refers to how well your property can resist heat flow in summer. Bear in mind that this should also ensure that the property stays warm in winter because it can also resist the dramatic differences between indoor and outdoor temperatures, no matter where the heat is.

Insulation is the first thing that comes to mind, and while it’s often associated with adding value to the property, it is also a factor of added comfort.

But the quality of your insulation is put to the test when the entry points lack the same thermal resistance. Your front door is one area that is easy to overlook. Older doors tend to allow unwanted heat transfer. Modern composite doors, on the other hand, are designed with thermal performance in mind.

Some features to take into account include U-values, which measure how much heat transfers through a building. The lower the value, the better the thermal performance.

Redirect heat before it builds up

Preventing heat from entering your home is often easier than trying to remove it afterwards.

Curtains and blinds play a big role here. Closing them during the hottest part of the day, particularly in south-facing rooms, will help block direct sunlight. This means it doesn’t get a chance to come in and warm the interior.

You can use blackout curtains, as these are highly effective thermal solutions. They help block heat away from your living space in summer. In winter, the same blackout curtains with thermal features will keep the cold out.

On another note, it’s also worth switching mirror positions between the seasons. In summer, you want to position mirrors strategically so they don’t bring in direct sunlight into the hottest rooms.

Using more houseplants indoors

Houseplants don’t just look stylish. They can release moisture, which contributes to freshening the indoor atmosphere. While houseplants are not replacing an air con unit, they can create an indoor environment that feels cooler and instantly more inviting.

Air coolers vs air conditioning

It’s tempting to invest in a powerful HVAC unit, especially if you want to avoid the discomfort of a heatwave. But air conditioning comes at an environmental cost that can make things worse.

Ultimately, air conditioning units contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, which, unfortunately, are linked to global warming.

But air coolers, on the other hand, tend to be more cost- and energy-efficient without the environmental risk. They work best in well-ventilated environments and can help cool down your home by a few degrees.

Are you ready to keep cool this summer without the major tech involvement? Hopefully, these few tips can help you ensure your home is ready for the next heatwave.