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Braais, lazy beach days, and fun outdoor activities, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy summer. However, this joyful season is also accompanied by a rise in temperature. Learn how to make your home cool and beat the sweltering heat on those warmer days. Need a home with a swimming pool? Find a wide range of properties on GotProperty today.

1. Decrease the humidity

In areas with low humidity, your sweat evaporates to decrease your body temperature. However, in high humidity environments, your sweat doesn’t evaporate so you end up feeling hot and sticky. Invest in a dehumidifier for your home. These devices take out excess moisture from the air, leaving you feeling cooler and more comfortable. Cotton sheets are more breathable than other fabrics so they can also help you to feel cooler at night.

2. Disconnect appliances

Appliances that are plugged in create additional heat. Unplug your appliances and devices when you’re not using them. Don’t just switch them off, unplug them so that you can get the biggest benefits.

3. Close the curtains

When sunlight streams through your windows, it heats up your room quickly. This is especially true at midday when the sun’s rays are the hottest. Close your curtains and feel the temperature of your room drop significantly. If you want to take things a step further, you can invest in blackout curtains. They’ll block out the sunlight and offer natural insulation for your home. Curtains that have a neutral colour and white plastic backing are the most effective option.

4. Plant trees

Spruce up your garden by planting trees and bushes. Not only will your outdoor area look great, but the trees will also shade your house and help to make your home cool. While this is not an immediate solution, planting trees will pay off in the years to come.

5. Avoid using the oven

Pre-plan meals so that you don’t get stuck cooking during the hottest part of the day. Your oven will heat up your home and leave you feeling sweltering hot. Try and make your meals in the morning or pre-prepare them. Salads are also a great option for summer lunches because they’re healthy and easy to make. If you do need to cook using your oven, wait until the evenings when the temperature is slightly lower.

6. Invest in a cool roof

Cool roofs reduce the temperature of your home and save you money on air-conditioning. Dark colours absorb heat so if your roof is black, heat will be transferred into the rooms of your house. Cool roofs reflect sunlight, which decreases the temperature of your home. A cost-effective option is to paint your roof a light-coloured roof paint, if it doesn’t affect your manufacturer’s warranty.

7. Upgrade your doors and windows

Install energy-efficient doors and windows that provide you with improved insulation. Tighter seals also offer improved heat regulation in your home. You’ll enjoy a warmer home in winter and a cooler home in summer.

8. Use ice

Fill a big bowl with ice and place it at an angle by your fan. As the air passes over the ice, it will send a cool breeze across your room. This simple trick is a lifesaver on the blistering hot summer days.

9. Eliminate incandescent lights

Incandescent lights waste electricity and warm up your home by emitting heat. Switch to energy-efficient bulbs for an environmentally friendly option that cools down your home.

10. Let cool air in

At night when the temperature drops, open a window and let the cool breeze in. Let out any heat that your house has accumulated during the day and make the most of the refreshing night air. Don’t forget to close your windows and curtains again before things start heating up in the morning.

Now that you know how to make your home cool, you can enjoy all the festive activities that summer has to offer without worrying about the heat. Looking for a new home? With a wide range of houses for sale on GotProperty, there’s something to meet everyone’s budget.