7 tips for keeping your home cool in Summer

Hawke’s Bay Summers have a reputation for cranking up the heat. So how can you keep your home cool in the hot months ahead? Our article takes a look at some simple steps you can take to make your home cooler and enjoy a more comfortable Summer.

1. Make the most of natural ventilation

While the temperature may soar in the middle of the day, it still drops a little overnight. You can help to reduce the temperature of your home by taking advantage of cooler times of the day and opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate through your home.

Cross-ventilation is particularly effective; you can achieve this by opening windows on opposite sides of the house to create a refreshing breeze. For an extra cooling effect, use fans near open windows to direct the airflow.

2. Keep the air moving in your home with fans

Ceiling fans, pedestal fans, and table fans can all be game changers when it comes to beating the heat. However, using them strategically is key. Ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise in the summer to create a cooling breeze.

Place pedestal fans near open windows or doors to pull in cooler air. If you have an air conditioning unit in one room; experiment with using a fan to move the cooler air to other parts of your home.

3. Block out the sun

Direct sunlight streaming through windows can quickly heat up a room. That’s great in Winter but unwanted in Summer, when the air temperature is already high. You can prevent the sun’s heat from cooking your home by using blackout curtains, blinds, or thermal shades to block sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.

Installing blinds or shutters can help you to block out the sun’s heat during the warmest parts of the day.

4. Improve your home’s insulation

In Winter you insulate your home to keep it warm, while in Summer it can have the opposite benefit. Proper insulation helps to regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat transfer and keeping heat outside your home. Ensure your roof, attic, and walls are well-insulated to keep the heat out.

5. Upgrade to double-glazed windows

If your budget allows, consider upgrading to energy-efficient double-glazed windows. These windows are designed to reduce heat transfer, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Installing window screens can also help filter out hot air and bugs while allowing airflow.

6. Avoid using heat-producing appliances

Many household appliances, such as ovens and stoves, produce significant amounts of heat. Summer is a great time to try cooking outdoors or using appliances like slow cookers and microwaves instead of the oven. You can also consider switching to LED bulbs, which produce less heat and are more energy-efficient.

7. Install an air conditioning unit in your home

Heat pumps or air conditioning units can bring down the temperature of your home, making your home a cooler and more comfortable place in the warm Summer months. Talk to an expert and match the right heat pump to your home or read our helpful article about choosing the right heat pump for your home.

Regular servicing of your heat pump is important to make sure it’s operating efficiently and you’re getting the best performance. Check your manual and make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep your heat pump well maintained.

Keeping your home cool in summer doesn’t have to be expensive or energy-intensive. Proper insulation and blocking out the sun can help you to minimise the cost of cooling your home. Using natural airflow during the cooler hours can help to bring the temperature of your house down and ensure you’ve got plenty of fresh air.

Consider installing a heat pump to cool the rooms where you spend most of your time and enjoy a more comfortable home. Snug offer heat pump solutions from Rinnai. Our heat pumps can be matched to the size of the space you want to heat or cool.

If you’re interested in cooling more than one room, ask us about our Ducted Heat Pumps and Split Room Heat Pump Solutions. You can use one exterior heat pump unit to the control the temperature in multiple rooms in your home.