Air condition may be the best way to keep your home cool but in the Vietnam, the number of hot days we get makes such an investment a large outlay for so few days. On top of this, air conditioners are not only expensive but also are not very environmentally friendly. So, let’s try some of these greener tips and alternatives to keep your home cool over the summer months.
Fans:
If you're willing to invest a bit of money then a ceiling fan could be a great addition to your home to keep it cool. A single ceiling mounted fan could reduce room temperature by 5 to 7 degrees, the initial outlay is far less than an air conditioner and if kept on for 12 hours a day will only cost around £5 a month to run. Fans don't use much energy at all but when air is circulated well it can feel much cooler. Ceiling fans are the most effective but a good quality free standing fan, positioned well can be very effective as well.
Curtains and Blinds:
Installing white blinds or curtains or lining your curtains will reflect heat back from your house. Keeping blinds or curtains closed on the east facing sides in the morning and west facing sides of your home in the afternoon will keep a lot of the heat out. The most efficient way to keep your home cool is to keep the heat out and doing so will make your fans far more efficient.
Heat Sources in the Home:
The most common sources of excess heat in the home are appliances, electrical devices and lights so take note and have a look at where heat is coming from. Try to keep lamps, lights, TVs and heat generating appliances off when you can. Also, replacing bulbs with energy efficient fluorescent ones can help as they generate far less heat. If the weather is nice, have a barbecue! Avoiding cooking inside avoids producing excess heat.
Other Tips:
Humidity can make it feel a lot warmer so try to avoid washing, showering and cooking during peak heat times and dry your clothes in the sun if possible. Always avoid putting wet clothes out to dry indoors.
Usually in the UK you hear of having double glazing and loft insulation installed to help retain heat but they also help keep your house cool too! Upgrading your loft insulation and installing double glazing can drastically lower cooling costs.
Usually in the UK you hear of having double glazing and loft insulation installed to help retain heat but they also help keep your house cool too! Upgrading your loft insulation and installing double glazing can drastically lower cooling costs.
Tips for Keeping Your Home Cool in the Summer