When summer heats up and temperatures soarMany houses become veritable ovens where it's even difficult to sit on the sofa.
We don't always have (or want to use) air conditioning, whether due to electricity consumption, health concerns, or simply because it's not installed. The good news is that there are plenty of tricks, habits, and small changes that can make a huge difference in how hot or cold your home feels.
Why does your house get so hot in the summer?
Before you start opening windows like crazy, it's worth understanding What's causing that stifling heat inside your home? It's not all the weather's fault; the orientation of the apartment, the type of windows, the materials, the appliances, and even your cooking habits all greatly influence the indoor temperature.
Poor insulation in walls, ceilings and windows This is another major culprit. If the windows and doors allow heat to pass through easily, it enters throughout the day and then gets trapped, causing the house to remain warm at night even if it cools down outside. The same thing happens with old single-pane windows.
The intensive use of electrical appliances during peak hours (TV, computer, oven, ceramic hob, washing machine, dishwasher, halogen lights…) also add to the temperature. Every appliance that's turned on gives off heat, and at the end of the day, all that extra heat is very noticeable, especially in small or poorly ventilated rooms.
Thick textiles and materials that don't breathe well, such as synthetic leather, carpeting Furry or dark, synthetic sofa covers retain heat and increase the perceived temperature when you sit or lie down. The same is true for certain mattresses and pillows that don't allow for proper ventilation.
Finally, your own daily habits Things that can raise the temperature include: ventilating during the hottest hours, cooking in the oven at midday, lowering the blinds completely to prevent air circulation, or preparing very heavy and hot meals that raise body temperature.
Cross ventilation and control of windows and blinds
Good strategic ventilation It's one of the most effective and cheapest ways to get the heat out of your home and let in fresher air. It's not about opening everything at any time, but about taking advantage of the right moments and openings.
Cross ventilation consists of Open windows on opposite sides of the house (or in facing corners) to create a cross breeze. Ideally, do this first thing in the morning when the air is still cool, and again at night when the sun has set and the outside temperature has dropped.
During the middle hours of the dayThe strategy is precisely the opposite: keep windows closed or only slightly open, with blinds down and curtains drawn to prevent heat from entering. Creating a slight dimness greatly helps to maintain a lower temperature inside.
It's not a good idea to lower the blinds all the way down. If that prevents any air movement, it's best to keep them low enough to block direct sunlight, but still allow some ventilation from the bottom or top, depending on the orientation.
Install mosquito nets on the windows It's very useful for sleeping with the windows open at night without fear of mosquitoes. This way you can make the most of nighttime ventilation, which is free and very effective at cooling walls, floors, and furniture.
Smart use of fans: pedestal, ceiling and home tricks
If you don't have air conditioning, fans are your best friends.But only if you use them wisely. A fan alone doesn't cool the air, it simply moves it, but when positioned correctly it can significantly reduce the perceived temperature.
To create air currents inside the housePlace pedestal or table fans in strategic corners or pointing towards windows. Depending on the time of day, you'll want them to push cool air in (at night and dawn) or exhaust hot air out (late afternoon, when it's warmer inside than outside).
A very effective home trick is the improvised “air conditioner”Place a metal container or tray filled with ice and coarse salt in front of the fan. The air passes over the ice, cools slightly, and is distributed more coolly throughout the room. You can also use frozen water bottles placed firmly in a bowl.
Tower fans are ideal for small spaces Because they take up little space, are usually quiet, and often include a timer and various operating modes, they are perfect for bedrooms or offices where you don't want a bulky appliance.
Ceiling fans, on the other hand, are among the most efficient. In terms of energy consumption and comfort, they distribute air evenly and use very little energy. In summer, they should rotate counter-clockwise to push the air downwards and create a pleasant breeze throughout the room.
Textiles, furniture and "summer clothes" tricks for the home
Dressing your home for summer is just as important as changing your wardrobe.The same fabrics and colors that keep you warm in winter make the house feel warmer when heat waves arrive.
Remove thick rugs, blankets, and heavy curtains As soon as temperatures start to rise, keep floors as clear as possible, especially if they are ceramic, stoneware, or stone, as these help dissipate heat. If you want something underfoot, opt for bamboo mats, natural fibers, or very thin rugs.
Sofa covers, cushions and synthetic upholstery Synthetic leather, faux leather, or tightly woven fabrics trap heat and don't allow the furniture to breathe. Cover these pieces with cotton or linen slipcovers in light colors. Besides being cooler, these colors reflect some of the heat and improve the overall temperature.
The decoration also influencesLight wood furniture and natural fibers help regulate temperature better, while very dark and shiny surfaces absorb and retain more heat. Take the opportunity to create a small "summer decoration" with soft tones and lightweight materials.
Thermal curtains, exterior shading and passive climate control
Block the heat before it gets in It's easier and cheaper than trying to get rid of it later. This is where curtains, blinds, awnings, and other passive climate control solutions come in.
Thermal curtains are designed Made with insulating fabrics that reduce the amount of sunlight and heat entering through the glass, these windows work especially well on south- or west-facing windows, where the sun shines directly for many hours. In addition, they help retain heat in winter, making them a worthwhile year-round investment.
If you don't have thermal curtains, you can improvise. Use thick, light-colored curtains, or even, on highly exposed windows, temporarily place reflective film or aluminum foil on the pane of glass most affected by the sun. It's not the most aesthetically pleasing solution, but you'll notice the difference during a heatwave.
Outside, awnings, pergolas and parasols They reduce the radiation that hits facades and windows. If your house has balcony, terrace or gardenLowering the awnings during the middle of the day prevents the wall and glazing from getting so hot, which directly affects the interior.
Passive climate control also includes small changes Such improvements as painting walls in light colors, improving the insulation of doors and windows with weatherstripping and sealants, or installing more insulating exterior blinds are improvements that, when combined, can lower the indoor temperature by several degrees and significantly reduce reliance on electrical appliances.
Plants, water and natural tricks to lower the temperature
Nature is a great ally in combating the heat at homePlants, water, and well-controlled humidity can create a much more pleasant microclimate without the need for expensive technology.
Some highly recommended species These include aloe vera, bamboo palm, ficus, sansevieria, or any hardy plant that you can keep well-hydrated. Watering them at night, when there is no more direct sunlight, further enhances their cooling effect and prevents the water from evaporating too quickly.
On balconies, terraces and exterior windowsThe potted plants also act as a barrier against the sun, mitigating some of the heat that reaches the facade. If you water these plants in the evening, you'll help lower the temperature of the wall and, consequently, the temperature inside the house.
Water is another key resourceHaving a basin or large container of water in a room promotes gentle, constant evaporation, which can soften the air. However, excessive humidity should be avoided if you live in already humid areas to prevent a sticky feeling.
Refresh floors, curtains and surfaces with water
A classic trick that never fails is to use cold water on the floorFlooring, especially ceramic tiles, accumulates a lot of heat during the day, and if you mop it with cold water, that water will absorb some of that heat as it evaporates, reducing the temperature of the room.
Before using a bedroomIt's very effective to lightly dampen the floor and let it dry while you prepare the bed. The heat from the pavement will evaporate the water, resulting in a slightly cooler environment just when you need it most.
You can also spray with a vaporizer. A little water on curtains, drapes, or even just on the air itself. Just like with floors, the evaporation process draws heat from the environment. If the house isn't very humid, this can make it feel a couple of degrees cooler.
An interesting extra is to add a few drops of essential oil Add mint or eucalyptus to the mop bucket or spray bottle. It won't make it any cooler physically, but the refreshing sensation from the scent will definitely help you feel more comfortable.
Appliances, lights and habits that trigger heat
One of the most common mistakes in summer It means continuing to use appliances the same way as in winter. Ovens, hobs, irons, washing machines, and dishwashers generate a tremendous amount of heat that stays inside the house if they are used during peak hours.
Try to cook first thing in the morning or when it has cooled down in the evening. Avoid, as much as possible, the oven and long cooking times on very hot days. Opt for salads, gazpacho, cold dishes, warm soups, or recipes that can be served at room temperature.
Whenever you cook over a flame or ceramic hobTurn on the extractor fan. It will not only eliminate odors; it will also expel much of the hot air generated while cooking. Closing the kitchen door while it's running prevents that heat from spreading to the rest of the house.
Regarding washing machines and dishwashersIt's best to program them for nighttime, when the outside heat is lower. This way, the heat they give off will affect your comfort less, and if you have a time-of-use electricity tariff, you'll also save on your bill.
Lights also matterHalogen and incandescent light bulbs get extremely hot and add extra heat to the room. Switching to LED lights reduces both electricity consumption and the heat emitted by the lighting. Also, try to only turn on the lights you absolutely need.
Remember that many devices generate heat even when at rest.Televisions, computers, game consoles, routers, and chargers left plugged in but not in use continue to consume energy and slightly heat the air. Unplugging them when not needed helps lower the temperature and saves energy.
How to keep your house cool without appliances: key tips
If you want to reduce the heat in your home naturally And without using air conditioning, combining all these tricks makes all the difference. It's about adding up small actions that, together, produce a remarkable result.
Ventilate only during the cooler parts of the day (Early morning and evening), keeping blinds and curtains closed when the sun is strongest, and creating cross breezes are the foundation. From there, add thermal curtains, lightweight textiles, and outdoor shade whenever possible.
Place damp sheets or towels on the windows When some air enters, it can help cool that air slightly as it passes through the wet fabric. This is a very useful trick in apartments where the wind blows in quite strongly at certain times of day.
The weatherstripping at the bottom of the doors They allow you to isolate cooler rooms from the rest of the house. If you have a room that's always cooler, you can use these weatherstripping strips to prevent warm air from seeping in from other areas.
Reduce the use of appliances that emit heatChoosing LED light bulbs, cooking during cooler hours, watering plants at dusk, and cooling floors with cold water are simple habits that gradually lower the overall temperature and prevent the home from becoming an oven.
Tips for sleeping better on hot nights
Nighttime is often the most desperate time When the house is hot and the air is stagnant, sleeping poorly for several nights in a row due to the heat will eventually take its toll, so it's worth preparing the bedroom properly.
The first step is to choose the right sheets and pajamasCotton, linen, or silk are your best allies. Avoid synthetic fabrics that don't breathe. Interestingly, it's better to sleep in some light, breathable clothing than completely naked, because the fabric helps absorb sweat and facilitates evaporation.
The bed can also be refreshed before you go to bed.Place a very cold water bottle wrapped in a towel or a hot water bottle filled with ice water or crushed ice on the area where you lie down for a while. Remove it just before going to sleep and you'll notice the difference.
Another option is to cool the body at specific points. Take lukewarm (not ice-cold) showers at the end of the day. Water that's too cold can cause a rebound effect, making you feel even hotter later. Applying cool water to your wrists, neck, and ankles also helps lower your body temperature.
Ventilate the bedroom starting at nightLeave the window open with a mosquito net and, if possible, the door open to create a slight breeze. If your house has several rooms, consider sleeping in the coolest room, even if it's not your usual bedroom, especially during heat waves.
Avoid very heavy or very hot dinners And limit alcohol and excessive caffeine before bed. The body needs to produce more heat to digest heavy meals, and that makes it much harder to fall asleep when the room is already warm.
Nutrition, hydration and thermal sensation
What you eat and drink during the summer It has a lot to do with how hot you feel at home, even with the thermometer reading. Some dishes and drinks raise your body temperature, while others help keep it lower.
Large, fatty, and very heavy meals (stews, high-protein dishes like red meat, barbecues with chorizo and bacon, very hot soups) make your body work harder, generating extra heat during digestion.
Alcohol is especially treacherousIt gives an initial feeling of coolness, but in reality, it worsens the body's ability to regulate its temperature and can dehydrate you faster. It's also not advisable to overdo it with coffee or very spicy foods, which stimulate the mouth's thermal receptors.
Ideal for very hot days It's best to choose fresh fruit, salads, chilled soups, gazpacho, vegetables, and light dishes that don't require long cooking times. In addition, staying well-hydrated by drinking water frequently (even if you're not thirsty) helps regulate body temperature.
Always keep water and refreshing drinks in the fridge It makes it easier to drink more and prevents you from reaching for sugary drinks or alcohol. A couple of liters of water a day, adjusting according to your activity and health, is a good guideline in summer.
If you use air conditioning: how to save money without getting too hot
If you have air conditioning at homeThere's no need to give it up, but you should use it wisely so that it doesn't skyrocket your bill or cause excessive temperature fluctuations that could harm your health.
The first step is to choose efficient equipmentAppliances with an A++ energy rating or higher and inverter technology consume significantly less energy than older models. Although the initial investment may be slightly higher, the savings on your energy bill will be substantial in the medium and long term.
Recommended operating temperature It's between 24°C and 26°C. For every degree you lower it below that range, energy consumption can increase by 7% to 10%. There's no need to set it to 20°C; by combining ceiling or floor fans, you can achieve a very pleasant feeling of coolness at moderate temperatures.
While the air conditioning is onDoors and windows should remain closed to prevent cold air from escaping and warm air from entering. It's also important to check seals, frames, and for any air leaks, as these force the appliance to work harder.
Use ECO mode or energy saving mode It maintains a stable temperature with lower energy consumption. Programming the unit with timers or smart plugs allows you to turn it on shortly before arriving home and turn it off when you no longer need it, preventing you from leaving it on all day or all night.
Maintenance is keyCleaning the filters every few weeks, ensuring the outdoor unit is free of dirt, and checking the refrigerant level improves efficiency and extends the appliance's lifespan. A dirty air conditioner cools less effectively and uses more energy.
Finally, check your electricity tariff This can represent significant savings if you use air conditioning a lot. Time-of-use tariffs or plans tailored to summer consumption can help reduce the impact of air conditioning on your bill.
Controlling the heat at home involves a mix of strategy and common senseTake advantage of the cooler hours to ventilate, shield windows and facades from the sun, choose textiles and plants carefully, use fans and water to your advantage, and if you have air conditioning, configure it efficiently.
By combining all these resources, it's possible to enjoy a much cooler home, sleep better, and not live in fear of the next electricity bill.
