Last week we were looking at different ways to cool down our homes using methods, hundreds, possibly thousands of years old and we examined the first five. They were very efficient and cheap methods to cool down any building, which could save you a lot of money and also prevent a lot CO2 to be spilled into the environment. We will quickly mention them so here you have a complete guide:
1. Using awnings and shutters:
Traditional and simpler systems are sometimes the most effective. Keep house in twilights during the hottest hours is very effective, but it works best if external roller shutters or French shutters are used, to keep the sunshine getting through the windows glass panels is a major victory.
2. Light colours:
It is not by accident that in Andalusia and Extremadura the warmest areas in Spain, white is the predominant colour used in the façades of the houses.
3. Light and soft fabrics:
Lightweight fabrics, like linen or gauze are very pleasant to wear in summer. You would feel cooler if you wear clothes made with these types of fabrics, also use shoes made of any material that can transpire.
4. Electric fans, our great allied:
They are the traditional, lower cost solution rather than air conditioning.
A simple electric ceiling fan moving hot air could decrease air temperature by 5 or more degrees Celsius. The sensation of increased air pressure on our bodies provides a very pleasant cool feeling without having the sensation a jet of freezing air from an air conditioning system.
5. Create air currents, but watch it!!:
Don´t fall into the temptation when it gets too hot, to open all windows to produce air movement as this will results in more heat getting inside.
If you insist in having some air movement within the house you should follow the following rules: The windows that will let air out of the house must be opened completely. Trying using for this task the windows which open directly to the street, where air movement is greater.
The windows that allow air into the house must be opened only a little. The windows which better serve for this purpose are windows adjacent to interior courtyards or gardens.
6. Placing solar film on windows:
Good quality solar films are a very effective solution, because they reflect the light and heat, and reduce heat gain up to 82% and also any dazzling that we may get internally. Thanks to these films temperature is also more stable, what it translate into a fresher environment inside, in addition, a saving in electricity bill.
It can be installed without having to remove the glass; they can be laid by using different simple methods and their purchase price can be adjusted to different budgets.
7. Strategically use of plants:
Courtyards filled with plants, as well as being beautiful, cool down the environment and can be used as an effective sun shield. Among other plants, vines and ivies, placed on external walls will receives direct sunshine rays, they will not only provide freshness they will also prevent sun and heat penetrate the external walls. Their uses are advice for south and west facing façades mainly.
8. Stay hydrated:
Apart from controlling the external environment our body will confront excessive heat best if it is hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is essential for staying hydrated on the hotter part of the day. But, in addition, if you add a few leaves of mint, it will provide an immediate sensation of freshness. The same happens with eating cucumber or watermelon, as well as moisturize ourselves generously, they are refreshing.
9. Get wet my friend:
Respect to getting wet, just by placing your wrists under cold water during only 10 seconds, your body temperature will go down and the feeling of freshness will remains over an hour. In addition, wet the neck with a damp towel for few seconds is also a method to get freshness instantly and will keep you cool for a while.
10. Only use at home as few electric appliances as possible:
If the use of the dryer, oven, dishwasher or television can avoid at peak hours on a very hot days, the environment will be fresher. Electrical appliances emit a lot of heat during its use, so if it is imperative to use them, for example for cooking, when the ambient temperature exceeds 35 or 36 C, one must be kept well hydrated to avoid a heat stroke which can be very dangerous.
Write a comment