In Summer in Australia, we all know temperatures can get quite uncomfortable. Brisbane alone can experience temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.
The tips outlined in this article will assist you in keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, reducing energy consumption, and saving you money.
Close Your Curtains and Blinds
Closed curtains and blinds act as a sunlight barrier, blocking rays from entering and rapidly heating up your house. It may seem fairly easy and common sense to do so, but making a habit of shutting all of your curtains and blinds before the morning or afternoon sun hits your home can take some time. Set an alarm to remind yourself of when to close your curtains before going to bed or early in the morning.
Switch Off Your Electronics
Heat is generated from the many electrical devices that are often left on constantly throughout the day and night. A simple way to reduce the temperature of your house is by turning off computers and making the choice to hang clothes out to dry rather than using a dryer. An additional benefit of this is you save money on your Summer electricity bill!
Changes To Your Roof
Light Coloured Roof
If you live in a place that regularly experiences hot summers, such as in Queensland, it’s worthwhile considering investing in roofing solutions that can help keep your home cool. While painting your roof or replacing your shingles may seem like a significant short-term cost to begin with, in the long-term you can save money from keeping your air conditioning unit at a higher temperature or switching it off more frequently.
Light coloured roofs reflect sunlight and can provide a simple way to reduce the ambient temperature throughout your home. Dark coloured roof tiles trap heat in and can quickly increase temperatures on hot summer days when the sun is shining bright. Roof painting services are an affordable way to lighten the colour of your concrete tiles and help cool your home.
Install a Whirlybird
Whirlybirds are a great way of preventing hot air from moving into your home. A very effective long-term investment is installing good quality ceiling insulation, which blocks hot air trapped in your roof from moving down through your ceiling into your house. Whirlybirds are an efficient and affordable way to reduce your home’s temperature, only requiring a one-time installation and zero energy consumption. When the afternoon heat sets in, your home will be prepared to ventilate and reduce hot air getting inside.
Flush Out Hot Air At Night
If hot air has accumulated throughout your home during the day, you can take some time to ‘flush it out’ at nighttime. This can make a considerable difference, particularly when you’re trying to sleep at night. Open the tops of windows at night so that cool night air can enter and circulate throughout your home (if you have ceiling fans, turn them on to help this process). In the morning shut all your windows and curtains again before the sun has a chance to start heating your property. This allows your home to begin the day at a lower temperature.