Beat the Heat: 10 Ways to Chill Out in Your Home or Condo This Summer

Summer is finally here, and with it comes the scorching heat that can make staying at home feel like a challenge. But don't worry, because there are plenty of ways to beat the heat and stay cool in the comfort of your own home or condo. Whether you're looking for something fun and active or just want to relax and chill out, we've got you covered with these 10 refreshing ideas to help you beat the summer heat. So sit back, relax, and get ready to cool off!

Color Palette

When it comes to decorating your home or condo, the colors you choose can make a big difference in how you feel in the space. Opting for light, saturated, or pastel tones can help to reduce heat retention compared to darker colors. Additionally, the color scheme can have an impact on the overall atmosphere and your mood. Light tones create a relaxed and comfortable feeling for the eyes, making it easier to unwind and enjoy your living space. So when considering a color scheme, keep in mind the potential effects on both the practical and emotional aspects of your home.

Window film

A window film installation is a popular way to reduce heat and electricity bills in your home. Once you install the tint, it can last for many years, saving you money in the long run. Moreover, window tint film enhances the overall ambiance of your living space. With the added bonus of aesthetic appeal, it's no wonder window tinting is a popular choice for homeowners looking to make a practical and stylish investment in their homes.

The following are the two most common types of window tint film installations found in houses and/or condos:

• Tinted Window film: While a tinted window film may reduce the sunlight harshness on the window, the same can't be said for heat. Furthermore, the tinted window film will discolor over time and fade to purple.
• Heat-reduction window film: A heat-reduction window film is a specialized film that is applied to glass with a coating of ceramic or metallic layers to reduce heat. This film uses metal to reflect or absorb heat, which results in better performance than ceramic-coated films. However, it is a bit pricier than the ceramic-coated option. If you're looking for high-quality, long-lasting heat reduction, investing in this type of film might be the perfect solution for your home.

Curtains

Curtains that block out light effectively often have a black-colored fabric in the center or foam coating on the backside, facing the window. These curtains are great for reducing heat, as they absorb sunlight effectively, allowing very little to pass through. This can result in a significant reduction of sunlight entering your home or condo, leading to a decrease in temperature of around 3-4 degrees Celsius. In addition to this, these curtains also protect against harmful UVA and UVB radiation, which can cause damage to your skin.

Change your Carpet

When it comes to decorating your home with rugs, it's best to avoid animal fur rugs and opt for natural fiber rugs instead. While fur rugs are great for retaining heat and providing warmth in cold cities, they're not suitable for hot countries like Thailand. To achieve the desired aesthetic without increasing the temperature of your room, it's recommended to choose rugs made from natural fibers such as cotton. Cotton has a property of absorbing moisture in the air, which helps prevent the room from getting too hot. So, not only will your room look beautiful with a cotton rug, but it will also help keep it cool.

Switch to using LED Bulbs

LED bulbs have become increasingly popular for their many benefits. They emit minimal heat, have a longer lifespan, and consume up to 90% less energy than conventional bulbs. Unlike fluorescent bulbs, which generate light through heat, LED bulbs do not add to the warmth of a room. This makes them an energy-efficient and cost-effective lighting option. LED bulbs are available in a wide range of brightness levels, as well as various colors such as white, warm white, and other colors. With so many options available, you can easily find the perfect LED bulb to meet your lighting needs.

Interior arrangement for air circulation

Properly arranging furniture and keeping windows open during cooler evening hours can help maintain good air circulation in a room. Daytime temperatures can be hot, but at night, temperatures drop and cool winds blow, making it a good idea to open windows and let fresh air in. This helps release accumulated heat and cools down the temperature in the room, creating a comfortable environment. Before opening windows, it's important to check PM 2.5 levels to ensure good air quality.

Installing a ceiling fan

Ceiling fans can be a great addition to any home, providing a cost-effective way to stay cool in the summer and distribute heat in the winter. When deciding whether to install fans in every room or just in frequently used areas, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to choose the right size fan for each room, ensuring that it's balanced with the size of the space. Most ceiling fan models will specify the suitable area they can cover. Secondly, the rotation of the blades is crucial. During hot weather, the blades should spin in a way that draws air upwards towards the ceiling, creating a cool breeze.

Install heating appliances outside

To prevent heat buildup in your home, it's best to install appliances that generate heat, like ovens and gas stoves, outside or in an outdoor kitchen area. But for those living in condos with limited space, there are still solutions. Simply opening balcony doors while cooking can help ventilate and dissipate heat. Another option is to install your washing machine and dryer outside, which not only reduces indoor temperatures but also helps save on electricity costs. With these simple tips, you can keep your home cool and comfortable without sacrificing on convenience or energy efficiency.

DIY Cooling

If you're feeling unusually hot, try filling up a plastic bottle with water and freezing it. Once the water has solidified, place the bottle in the middle of a room in front of a fan. This way, the fan will blow the cool air from the frozen bottle towards you, providing a simple and easy way to cool down without the need to turn on the air conditioner.

Planting

Planting trees can be a long-term solution to reduce heat, but it requires patience and proper care. Trees around the house can provide shade and block sunlight, helping to reduce heat. It is recommended to choose trees that grow about 1-2 feet per year and provide regular care such as watering and fertilization. However, when planting large trees, be cautious not to plant them too close to the house as their roots can cause damage in the future.

Another option is to plant trees in pots and place them in different areas of the house, condo, or balcony. They can also be placed on the outer edges of windows, which can help reduce temperature. If you don't have much time to care for trees, creeping plants are an easy and quick option. They don't require much attention and can withstand all weather conditions. Planting them on the outside wall of the house can also help reduce heat.

Conclusion

As the temperature rises, it's essential to keep our homes and condos as cool and comfortable as possible. From simple changes like using curtains and fans to planting trees and using smart thermostats, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat and stay cool all summer long. With these tips, you can transform your living space into an oasis of relaxation and escape the scorching heat outside. So, don't let the heat get you down. Try out these ideas and enjoy a refreshing and comfortable summer at home. Stay cool!

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