Table Of Contents
Keep Your Blinds Shut
Studies have shown that up to 30 percent of unwanted heat comes from sunlight coming in through the window. Curtains and blind will make a major difference to the temperature of your house. You can even buy curtains or shutters that are specifically built with heat in mind. Sunshine will enter your house through the north and west facing windows, so if you put blinds up on any, start with them.
Know When To Open Your Windows
Opening your windows to let in the breeze is a fine, natural way of cooling your home. However, if there is no breeze, keep them shut! Otherwise, you will simply be inviting the hot outside air into your home. Open windows at night when it’s cooler and, when there is a breeze going, open windows at opposite sides of the house to create cross ventilation, effectively cooling everything between.
Use Insulation
Hot air rises and will collect in your roof cavity. Installing insulation will create a barrier between you and your hot roof. After your roof has been roasting in the hot sun all day, the insulation will stop the heat from warming your house at night, giving it a chance to cool.
When installing, remember to keep it away from lights and live wires as it is a potential fire hazard.
Keep Your Lights Off
Ever burned yourself on a lightbulb that’s been running for a few minutes? Lights give off a small amount of heat and in the middle of a hot summer's day you don’t want anything contributing to your discomfort. Keep your lights off during the day (even LED lights), or in any rooms you're not in at night.
Make Use of Shade Trees
You can put up shades and blinds, but there is also another way. Strategically place trees and plants in front of windows to use as a barrier between the house and direct sunlight. The plants will love it and your house will be kept cool. While curtains keep the heat of your windows outside, a plant acting as a barrier will stop the heat from reaching your house in the first place.
Want a bit more sun in the winter months? Not a problem, there are plenty of trees that lose their leaves by winter, such as jacaranda, birch and maple.
