There’s no denying that, with all of Malta’s typical summer beauty, comes the wicked trauma of having to live and breathe within stuffy temperatures. Heatwave or not, with just a little bit of exposure to the sun during summer, our homes sizzle up to a sweltering atmosphere.
No one likes a gust of heat to hit them right in the face when indoors. So, whilst keeping the air conditions on unnecessarily is a waste of energy, there are many little hacks you can follow to ensure your residence keeps cool. They’re tried and tested too!
CLOSE ROOMS ONCE AIRCONDITIONING IS ON OR OFF
One misconception people have is that if a door is left ajar, the inside coolness will easily transfer to the other room. Hence, the refreshing air will circulate throughout. That reasoning is indeed incorrect.
The air within the airconditioned room starts getting hotter and the atmosphere in the next room won’t be as chilly either. So, when you leave the room, remember to shut the door behind you to keep enjoying the air-conditioned air and benefit from lower energy bills.
INSTALL BLACKOUT CURTAINS
Natural light that seeps through the windows in summer is truly beautiful, but if that comes at the cost of roasting up your rooms, you might consider giving it up during the warm hours of the morning and afternoon.
Because of how blackout curtains are weaved together, they prevent heat from entering the room as light reflects out; keeping your rooms cool.
AVOID USING THE OVEN
Parched throats enjoy a cool drink, whilst hungry mouths do prefer cooler food during summer. Switch your roast meat with a grilled bite and add a refrigerated salad as a side. The upside? A good and healthy meal without letting the oven raise the kitchen’s temperature to a boil. An outdoor barbeque might be a great idea too.
OPEN UP WINDOWS AND DOORS DURING THE EARLY AND LATE HOURS OF THE DAY
A light breeze when the sun is not yet working its magic is a total blessing. This will help the air circulate internally and create a cooling draft around the rooms. Remember to open apertures at opposite areas in the house and let the cool breeze breathe new life inside your home. One tip to remember – install insect screens to keep bugs out!
WELCOME SOME HOUSE PLANTS
The advantages of having green companions inside the house has increased by a big factor. They create moisture in the air and act as natural coolers. Plus, they’ll absorb carbon dioxide in the air and replace it with well-needed pure oxygen. Remember to water them occasionally to keep their magic working.
KEEP A WINDOW SLIGHTLY AJAR WHEN YOU’RE TAKING A BATH
Many are accustomed to taking tepid showers even during the summer heat. Whilst that’s fairly normal as it avoids giving the body a complete shock, the water’s condensation might stick in the air and bring the room’s temperature up a notch.
Keeping a window slightly open will help that condensation drift out and help you keep the room within a cool temperature. Plus, you’ll avoid the number one cause of mould!
RE-CONSIDER YOUR EXTERIOR PAINT
Every few years, house owners find themselves putting on their gloves and giving the house façade a new lick of paint. Whenever this is coming up, consider a light colour that reflects heat rather than absorbing it. Go for white or light pastels. Speak to your chosen paint professional seller for more expert tips.
SWAP BEDDING
Just as May hits the calendar, homeowners get busy taking off their flannel bedsheets for cooler ones. Have you ever considered how much material your summer sheets material helps keeping your body cool during the night? Bed sheets that are 100% cotton will allow your body heat to dissipate and offer a balanced atmosphere to allow you some good rest.
