10 Ways To Cool Your Home For Less
A heatwave is imminent, but as the cost-of-living crisis continues, many of us are looking for ways to cool our homes for less when we’re not soaking up the sun. Electric fans, hot tubs and air conditioning systems can all lead to a substantial increase in energy bills so we spoke to Matthew Jenkins from MyJobQuote for his tips on how to cool your home and workspaces – and yourself! – for nothing this summer.
Shut the windows, close the curtains + cool down
Closing the windows may seem counterproductive when you are aiming to cool the home, however, doing so can considerably reduce the room’s temperature. As a rule, if the outdoor temperature is higher than that of indoors, it’s best to close the windows. This will prevent the warmer outdoor air from entering the home and raising the temperature further.
In addition to closing the windows, closing the curtains and/or blinds will cool the space further as it will block the sun from shining into the space and further raising its temperature.
Ice the windows
If you prefer not to close the windows, then you can still cool the room by leaving a cold bowl of water with ice cubes in it in front of the open space. As the air flows into the room, it will cool as it bypasses the bowl of ice water. You can also implement this practice with an electric fan.
Switch off standby
Not only will switching off appliances save you up to £50 per year in electricity bills, but it will also aid in cooling the home throughout the summer months. When an appliance is plugged in, the energy it accumulates creates heat. The heat it exerts further heats the home, raising its temperature.
Always on the pulse
If your body temperature is high, placing a cool towel or ice (ensure that the ice is covered), will decrease the body’s heat. Implement this practice in 20-minute intervals.
Remove the monsters from under the bed
Getting a good night’s sleep throughout a heatwave can be problematic, but there are ways to increase its likelihood. Under the bed is often used as a storage space. Removing items that are stored under the bed will allow air to circulate 360 degrees whilst you are resting.
Cold feet
If you are working at a desk throughout the day, placing your feet in cold water can lower the body’s temperature. Cold water tightens the blood vessels in the feet, reducing inflammation and swelling. There are several pulse points in the feet, seeing that keeping your in cold water instantaneously decreases the body’s temperature.
A sock of rice
Don’t have an ice pack? No problem! Filling a sock with rice and placing it in the freezer replicates the product. The ice will cool the air surrounding it and therefore, lower the temperature of the room.
Let there be light
Swapping traditional light bulbs for LEDs reduces the heat that is produced in the room. Light bulbs tend to project heat whereas LEDs stay cool, regulating the room’s temperature.
Chill out in bed
To ensure that the body stays cool when you are sleeping avoid alcohol, or at least reduce your alcohol intake. Consuming alcohol leads to the blood vessels in the body dilating, moving them towards the surface of the skin. This is what leads the body to sweat. Avoiding alcohol will help to regulate body temperature and not increase body heat.
