Cool Home Improvements For Hot Days

Home Improvement,Interior Design and Decoration

10 Jan , 2013

Steven and I came back from rainy cold London (2-3 degrees) in order to find out that Australia is having a record-breaking heat wave followed by enormous bushfires! It was then that I realized how much of a negative effect this change in temperature will have on our bodies. Then, of course, I was thankful to God for air conditioners and I started thinking what are the other home improvements that could help you keep cool in times like this.

1. Air-conditioners are a must. I doubt that a home anywhere in Australia won’t have an air-conditioner. However, if for some reason you don’t, I beg you for God’s sake install one! Our weather forecast chart needed new colours just to show how hot it has become, for crying out loud! You cannot afford to take your chances when it comes to your health and the health of your loved ones. So, air-conditioner now! Avoid heat stress by going to the nearest library or shopping centre, if you don’t have an air-conditioner at home.

Useful Tip: If you are anticipating a heat wave have your air conditioner checked. You want to make sure it is not going to give up on you.

2. Install a ceiling fan. Installing a ceiling fan is easy and they are quite beneficial. Not only you save energy, but if you know how to use them properly they will help you both cool the place down and warm it up whenever needed.

3. Install internal blinds or curtains. This will help block the sun and will help you keep your home cooler. It is not very energy efficient to have your air-conditioner running and in the same time to have the sun coming in from the windows. It is like heating a home while the windows are open in winter.

4. Install a gazebo or pergola in your garden. Having a shady spot in your backyard will enable your children and pets to hide underneath it and avoid heat stress, as the sun rays are not going to affect them directly. Alternatively you can plant trees that will cast a shadow on your home and backyard.

Image Source: Lisa Hubbard Photography

Useful Tip: If there is a heat wave, you might want to wait until 4pm when the sun is not so intense.

5. Paint and decorate your home in refreshing colours. Carpets in light blue, walls in cool colours will all create a breezy sensation and will also make your room look larger.

6. Tiles. Install tiles in a few rooms in your home. Tiles will keep you cool and are very easy to clean and maintain according to cleaners Kew.

7. Refreshing pool in the backyard? Why not? During the hot summer days one of the best things you can do is dip in the cool waters of your backyard pool. Just make sure you wear sunscreen.

Hopefully these tips were useful and now you know what to do in order to keep your house cooler. Keep in mind those are just the most obvious and simple ones. I will elaborate more on the topic. In the mean time don’t forget that your body needs care too and drinking more water and eating light cold food will also help you feel better. Good luck!

Featured Image Credits: http://mydesiredhome.com/

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Lana Jane Fox

Lana Jane Fox is a young, aspiring housewife, currently living in North Melbourne. At present her primary job is to be a good wife and a helpmeet to her husband and only after that she describes herself as a marketing executive and a blogger. When she is not knitting, cleaning, cooking, or experimenting with DIY projects, Lana is planning her next road trip, or spends precious time with her husband. She dreams of having a baby boy, a Welsh Corgi dog and a house with a fireplace and a garden where she can grow organic food.

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