[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]The summer season is always hard on homeowners’ electronic bills and gets much harder on the environment.  However, letting the home get too high temperatures can be quite dangerous. So, what should any responsible homeowner or renter do? Although air conditioners are the standard way of achieving a more comfortable home, they are hardly the only methods. In this article, we will be looking at some of the essential tips one can use to create a sustainable summer home.

Cover the Windows

Windows that are improperly insulated are a severe threat to the energy bills since they can easily let out heat during the winter months and make fresh air dissipate during the summer.  You can do away with this issue by installing a thermal curtain or light-colored and heavy shades over the windows. The curtains will help keep the cold air inside while the afternoon sun outside, ensuring you do not have to run the air conditioner as much. In case you do not have the thermal curtains, there is no need to worry as you can make use of the interior shutters or the blackout curtains for the same purpose.

Consider using a Smart Thermostat

Investing in new technology is not the best and most preferable eco-friendly method you can use. However, there are exceptions to that, especially when you consider investing in a smart thermostat.  The intelligent thermostats available at a relatively low price are capable of cutting down your home’s energy bill by up to 15% as it tracks your behavioral patterns. The smart thermostat will tell you when an individual gets into the room or when there is no person in the house and adjust the temperature accordingly.  It is one of the most affordable and smartest ways you can always be sure your air conditioner is not running on high when there is no person in the home. After the smart thermostat has learned about your regular schedule, it will start cooling your house every time you get to your home during the week.

Always Focus on the Space

To stay cool during the summer peak is not all about the air temperature; it also entails making sure you make some smart behavioral choices. For instance, it is not advisable to put on long pants during the summer or work in the garden during the afternoon hours. Most homeowners never change their bedding to correspond to the current season.  If you want to enjoy your sleep during the summer nights, go for the light cotton blankets and sheets instead of those made from synthetic materials that tend to trap heat. The same applies to your mattress cover as most individuals tend to use a completely standard cover to help protect their mattress, although that tends to retain lots of heat during the summer. Shifting to a cotton mattress cover will help in keeping things clean without making you hotter.

Consider using a Ceiling Fan

Some homeowners tend to use their fans together with air conditioners during the summer period and late during the spring. However, you do not require both to create a sustainable summer home.  Using a ceiling fan along will help cool your room by at least 4 degrees, especially when you make it turn in a counter-clockwise direction. The direction is of great importance since when the fan turns in a counter-clockwise direction, it will push air down and make the available space cooler. However, when the fan moves in a clockwise direction, the hot air will circulate in the house. It is, therefore, crucial for the homeowner to check the fan settings carefully.

Entertainment Appliances

Ensure you always unplug your television, computer, and other entertainment appliances whenever you do not use them. Here are some of the appliances you need to unplug when not in use:
• Microwave
• Television set
• Radio
• Fridge
• Computer
• Laptop

You must have noticed this when you have your laptop on your thighs for quite a time.

By unplugging your electronic appliances when not in use, you will also be reducing the electricity bill by some small amounts as electronic appliances still use some tiny amount of electricity when they are plugged in.

Close the Curtains and Blinds especially those facing East and West

Although we always love letting in natural sunlight, the right management of the window curtain and blinds will reduce the heat gain by up to 77%. The curtains and shades, especially the medium-colored draperies that have white plastic backings, can reduce heat gain by up to 33%. Such curtains and shades must remain closed during the hottest time of the day. You can also consider adding some owning to the windows facing west or south to reduce the solar heat.

Vent Out

One of the worst things you can do during the summer season is cooking indoors as you will be heating a confined space. It explains why most of the homeowners eat or grill lots of salad during the summer season. In case you have to use your stove on a hot day, ensure you turn on the overhead hood to help invent the space. The same will apply to your bathroom whenever you are taking a shower; ensure you use a dehumidifier to help clear the steam from the room. This small change will help make a big difference in the temperature across your home.

Consider Growing Some Greens

Planting a tree is one of the most eco-friendly things you can ever do to your home during the summer. When starting small in the tree planting exercise, it might take longer before you start reaping its benefits around your home. Planting trees will also help future generations.
Having more significant trees around your home will help create lots of shade during the summer season, while the smaller plants will help create a cooling effect. When breeze moves through them, the smaller plants pick up humidity, cooling the surrounding area. You can also create an environmental transpiration effect by growing vines on your house walls that will act as insulation. With the above tips, be sure that you will be able to have a sustainable summer home that will help keep the temperature low and calm.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]