The summer season means longer hours in the air conditioning and heavier utility bills. If you want to lead a greener life, reduce the CO2 emissions released by air conditioning and also live more economically, these clever ideas can be helpful. Try these tips and see how your home can naturally stay cooler.
1. Ventilate the house
Open the windows in the morning to ensure good cross ventilation in the house. This is a great way to replace warm air from the inside with cool air from the outside. Make sure you close the windows when the sun is at its highest to avoid any heat gain indoors.
2. Switch off all electronics
Did you know that light bulbs, stoves, computers and printers give off heat and help warm the house? This in turn leads to longer AC hours. Remember to turn off all devices when not in use.
3. Draw the blinds or curtains
Reduce the heat gain indoors by adding shade in the form of curtains, blinds, shutters or awnings to windows, especially during the hottest part of the day.
4. Keep the roof cool
The roof tends to absorb a lot of heat and transfer it to the interior. You can lower the roof temperature by painting the terrace with white lime wash or reflective cool roof paint. The heat absorption through the roof can also be reduced by installing a terrace garden or by adding potted plants.
5. Plant trees
If you live in an independent house, try planting trees around the house so that the house is shaded during the hottest hours of the day.
Green helps cool the environment down
6. Buy air conditioners that are energy efficient
Consider air conditioners with 5 or 4 stars as they are energy efficient. Opt for split AC power with inverter technology that adjusts the power consumption of the compressor during operation.
