Perhaps you’ve been thinking about keeping your home cooler in the Summer when it rolls by this time around. Good on ya!
Summer is a time for our famous barbies, dips in the pool and all kinds of fun in the sun. Aussie Summers can be scorchers though, and a time when most of the country seriously contemplates moving anywhere else. While of course the easy solution is to blast the air-con, this racks up a bill and for the eco-conscious, a carbon footprint.
When the heat makes it to your home and stays there, it’s a problem. The last thing you want is to come back after a day out to a house that’s a sauna. You’re clammy, irritated, and you can’t seem to keep that beer cold… which irritates you even more. How dare it attack your precious brew?!
The good news is that we’ve all been there. The bill is forgotten until it turns up in the mail and the cycle begins all over again. Well, this time around it doesn’t have to be that way. By thinking ahead, you could be more prepared than you’ve ever been, and keep your bills down.
Which is why we thought it might be useful to share some tips on how you can reduce heat in your home. Though some may seem obvious at first glance, there could always be something new to learn. We’ll also look at how you can protect your assets with our stylish security shutters. Keeping your home cooler in the Summer never looked better!
1. Block the Heat from Entering Your Home
As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure and it’s certainly true here. Why not tackle the problem head-on if you can? By reducing the amount of heat entering your home in the first place, you can grab the bull by the horns.
With light comes heat, and this is one of the biggest challenges most people face. You don’t exactly want to be sitting in a cave in the middle of the day. However, letting the sun stream in in full force will heat up the interiors. So what gives?
One way to go about this would be with roller shutters. They are fitted onto the outside of the house, and fixed to doors and windows. You can roll them to your desired height, so when the sun’s strong, you could maybe roller them down halfway. This will block light out, and reduce heat as a result. It also depends on which windows face the sun the most during the day. These windows may need to be covered in full, till the sun passes by.
They’re also excellent for safety; so if you’re wondering ‘Are roller shutters any good for security?’ the short answer is yes.
If roller shutters aren’t really the type of thing you’re looking for, external blinds and awnings are also great. They are typically installed as extensions to your house, and provide great coverage. They also offer shade, keeping the immediate perimetres of your house protected from heat. We have an extensive range of both product types, including retractable awnings for versatility.
2. Ensure Your Home Is Properly Insulated
A lack of insulation or poor insulation means that no matter how much you blast the air-con, it won’t work. The cold air will simply seep out, allowing hot air to take its place. So if you’ve been standing next to the unit thumping it every few minutes thinking it’s broken, it’s not. You’re likely lacking insulation.
There are a few ways to go about this, but perhaps one of the most effective is using the right window furnishings. For instance, you can install roller blinds complete with a headbox and side channels. The side channels in particular are key to this purpose. They form a barrier on either side so to speak, with the blinds fitting into them. This helps block both light and air transfer. Which means better sleep at night.
Yet again, roller shutters are a great choice to consider here as they are the kings of insulation. Their robust, no-nonsense build is designed not just for security, but also to form a barrier against air transfer. Be sure to learn more about them here: Everything you need to know about roller shutters.
With climate change upon us, globally temperatures have risen. They’re continuing to do so, and in some cases to unhealthy levels. It’s especially concerning for vulnerable members of our community, including the differently-abled and elderly. So maintaining as cool a home as possible for them is of utmost importance.
Extreme heat can be debilitating, so ensure you pull out all the stops for keeping your home cooler in the Summer to minimise this as much as you can.
3. Close Doors and Seal Gaps
Well and truly sealing any openings is important too. If you have any gaps in your walls or between the wall and door/window frames, cover them up. Older homes especially tend to face this problem through wear and tear. Plaster and cement tend to break apart and previous sealing comes undone.
If they’re small, you could probably hop down to the local hardware store and pick up some items to do it yourself. But if not, you may need to enlist the help of a professional to have a look.
Well-fitting blockout blinds can also help. When paired with a headbox and side channels which seal out light, they’re incredibly effective. They also help keep out air that may seep in, ensuring a comfortable temperature.
4. Plant Foliage Outside Your Home
Mother Nature to the rescue! What better way to control heat than with nature’s own remedy… plants.
One can’t deny the impact of greenery in our lives. You only need to go on holiday away from the concrete jungle to notice an immediate shift in mood. The air is fresher, cleaner, and also cooler. So why not embrace our green-natured friends and have them around your house?
Strategically placing plants can actually make your life so much easier. For instance, as mentioned earlier, there could be windows that bear the brunt more than others. Why not have some plants near them? You can get them at a suitable height, which will help block out light and heat. Additionally, it won’t feel like the sun is as harsh when you have plants blocking its path. Aside from looking beautiful, they also serve a very important functional purpose; one we mustn’t overlook.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Simple, straightforward ways to reduce heat and keeping your home cooler in the Summer. Perhaps one of these applies to you, or maybe all. We think that you should employ as many as possible for the best possible outcome. Sometimes, one solution may not quite cut it. So you need to go back to the drawing board and assess your situation. Don’t underestimate heat and how dangerous it can be if not restricted. Make every effort to keep it at bay, so you can not only enjoy being at home, but also stay safe.
Since we’ve been doing this a long time, you can confidently turn to us for support at any time. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, and would love to assist. We know everyone’s circumstances are different, so we will help you with a tailored solution. Reach out to the team and send us your queries. We’re here to help.
