Australian summers are almost impossible to get through without a decent air conditioning unit. But with the rising costs of electricity and those dreaded bills going through the roof, homeowners are finding ways to be practical – without frying themselves in the process. It’s tough sticking out the humidity and 40-degree days – especially when you’re trying to reduce the electricity bills.
Air conditioning is just one of the ways you can stay cool this summer, and there are other ways to keep your home cool that will benefit you and your family for the whole summer season. Finding ways to make your home more energy efficient (and ultimately cooler and cheaper) is everyone’s priority!
What are the different ways to keep your house cool during summer?
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Summer has always been the perfect season to stay at home, rest, and do recreational activities inside your home. But it is hard to enjoy if you keep on sweating while staying inside your home. Worry no more because here's how to keep your house cool during the summer.
1. Close your blinds
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Your blinds are your main protector against UV rays from extreme sunlight. Maximise the use of your blinds during the day. Almost 30% of the heat inside your home creeps through your window, and it will be very helpful if you close your blinds instead of closing your windows. Closing your windows will only trap the hot air inside your home, whereas closing only the blinds allows for air flow without the extreme heat of sun rays. Closing your blinds reduces the heat by 20 degrees and protects your home from extreme UV rays.
Alternatively, you could consider installing roller blinds. Unless you want your home to be a giant oven throughout summer, make sure all windows are well-shaded. At the very minimum, your home’s windows should be shielded with blinds or curtains. Pergolas are fantastic for keeping cool while you’re outside, but they don’t block out the morning and afternoon sun. On the higher end of the scale, roller shutters are an effective measure for homeowners wanting to increase their energy efficiency and block out the heat. They add an extra layer of proper insulation to your home, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.
You can invest in security window film to reduce the UV rays coming through your windows too. This is a great investment option for homeowners with smaller budgets and helps to insulate the home. Like roller shutters, they also come with the added security benefit of keeping intruders out.
2. Close the rooms that you do not always use
Remember to close the rooms in your house that you are not using. Closing certain rooms can prevent the cool air from escaping from where you spend most of your time. Do not forget to turn off the vents in the rooms you are not using if the high-cool fan or aircon is working.
An open window at the right time of day can provide natural ventilation by releasing warm air and bringing in fresh air for a cool breeze. It's a great way to keep cool and use less energy.
3. Switch your sheets and coverings
Changing sheets and coverings in your home can be an effective way to keep your bed and sofa cool. Switch to cotton sheets and covering to allow the air to go in and out of the fabric. Breathable cotton sheets freshen up your bed and sofa and are slow to get hot. So, it leaves surfaces cool after hours. Avoid flannel sheets and other thick fabrics - keep these for winter only.
4. Maximise plant shade
Smart landscaping tips can work wonders for keeping your home cool and the outdoor space looking lush. Fast-growing trees that thrive well in your location are the best place to start. Vines and climbers can dramatically reduce the maximum temperature too, by as much as 50%. Red Cedar, Blueberry Ash and Creek Lilly Pilly are all fast-growing bushes and deciduous trees that provide ample shade in the harsh Australian sun.
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If you have a full-grown tree near your window, it will be a great way to shade your home. If there are no trees in your landscape, you can place your plants in the window to shield your home from extreme sunlight and allow fresh, filtered air to get in. Plant shades are the most natural sun protection that you can put up in your home. It not only prevents heat from getting inside your home but gives you fresh, cool, and clean air.
The great thing about utilising trees for natural shade is they do so much more than just block out the sun. Plants will allow the indoor temperature to decrease. As hot air flows through the leaves and branches, the moisture from the tree evaporates which reduces the heat, but it also increases the oxygen levels and reduces the sun’s glare. To generate energy savings and cool your home through natural shade, plant trees within 10–20 metres on the south and west sides of your house, especially if you have west facing windows.
5. Have an exhaust fan
Cooking is one of the daily activities that increase heat inside your household. Turning on your stove and oven adds to the heat circulating inside your home. It heats the air that circulates in your household, making it feel hot and humid. But it does not mean that you should stop cooking at home. What you need is an exhaust fan in your kitchen. An exhaust fan blows out all hot air and odour from your kitchen. Remember to turn on the exhaust fan while cooking and not after you cook, ensure that no hot air from the kitchen reaches other parts of your home.
6. Avoid Overusing Appliances
Overusing appliances is one of the biggest culprits for high power bills and ridiculously warm homes. It’s summertime! And that means embracing Aussie culture and setting up the BBQ outside. Cooking outdoors more, now the warmer months are here, can significantly reduce your bills, put more cash in your pocket and cool your property down.
Using the oven or microwave on a 40-degree day can definitely be avoided, but all appliances throw off a lot of heat when running. This goes for your washing machine, dishwasher and grill too. Even appliances with good energy-efficiency ratings can add to your home’s heat. Limit your use of appliances throughout summer where possible, or run at night to minimise the heating effects. Anything not in use should be unplugged from the socket as this adds to the build-up of heat too.
7. Switch Up Your Lighting and Paint
You can make a big difference to the heating and cooling of your home just by switching the light bulbs. Where possible, utilise natural lighting. Energy efficient light bulbs, such as LEDs will help cut down the power bills and keep your home a few degrees cooler too.
Cooling your home with a fresh coat of paint can be the perfect excuse to give your home some TLC. Light colours naturally reflect more light, reducing your need for extra lighting and heat generation. Dark interior colours can absorb up to 90% of the sun’s energy and will have a big impact on how warm your home is. To further reduce your energy costs, use heat-reflective paint on the roof of your home too. Using a white, mid-grey colour or a steel roof can lower the heat gain by about 30% as opposed to darker colours and heavier materials.
8. Install an aircon
An aircon is the best thing you can have in your home during summer. Close up your whole house or just one room and turn on the aircon. It will blow cool air into your household and give you a nice and comfortable rest while staying at home. AC can cool a room or a whole household, depending on its power. If you want to cool a certain room, an average-performing aircon will do. But if you want to cool your whole household, you will need to buy a high-powered air conditioner. Either way, an aircon is your best option to keep your home cool during summer.
Why should you invest in an air conditioner?
An air conditioner is your best option to keep your home cool during summer. If you are still thinking twice about having an aircon installed in your home, here are the benefits of investing in an air conditioner.
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Lower utility bills
You might think installing an aircon will increase your utility bill, but that is not the case. Installing an aircon actually decreases the utility bill. With aircon cooling your home, you no longer need to turn on multiple electric or ceiling fans. You do not have to worry about high energy consumption because only one appliance will work to keep your home cool. An aircon helps you save on your monthly energy bill because it operates in a lower efficiency system.
If you want to save on your utility bills, look for air conditioning services in your area and have AC installed to cool your home for the whole summer season.
Less repair
The advanced features of air conditioners allow them to operate at ease for a longer period of time. It is because of the low to mid-efficiency system, which makes it work. With a lower-efficiency system that does not sacrifice the power of an air conditioner, you will no longer need regular maintenance. You just have to clean and clear it off dust accumulating in the air panels.
Longer operating life and comfort level
An aircon requires less maintenance service. That is why it has a longer operating life. It can keep your home cool for a couple of years, as long as you are knowledgeable on how you will operate it. With an air conditioner lasting for years, the comfort of your home will surely increase. You and your family can stay longer inside your household during summer.
Increase the level of comfort of your home during summer. Ask for aircon installation quotes, and get the best and nearest aircon installation service in your area.
What are the benefits of professional aircon installation?
You can get many benefits from a professional aircon installation service. You might be thinking of how much an aircon installation costs? A professional AC installation costs $600 to $6000, depending on the area where you reside and the complexity of the work that the installation requires.
A professional aircon installation allows you to save money, time, and energy, and you can enjoy cooler air.
- You no longer need to bear the hassle of mounting the aircon on your wall.
- Proper and strategic placement of the aircon in your home can be achieved through professional AC installation.
- No need to worry about tools and equipment. It is included in the service package that you will choose.
- You can never go wrong with a professional service because professional AC installation services are trained to install efficient air conditioners for many households.
How To Keep Your House Cool During Summer: Get free quotes in minutes
With a few simple hacks on how to keep your house cool in summer Australia, you can make your house more energy efficient and your home cooler for the summer months.
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