With the summers just around the corner, we all face the temptation of using the Air conditioning system to the fullest. But how could you keep your house cool and breezy without running up your utility bill? Let’s take a look at some of the smart tips to save energy and your budget to create a summer-friendly abode:

Ventilation

The very first tip is to ensure cross ventilation at your home. Prefer opening the windows and doors early in the morning to let the fresh morning breeze inside and repeat in the evening. However, keep the windows and blinds closed throughout the hot summer daytime. Be strategic in opening and closing the windows to cool off your home naturally and keep the air circulation going.

Blackout drapes

One of the major heat sources in your house is the windows. They certainly brighten up your home but at the same time they could bring in some extra heat in the summertime. Invest in a blend of light thin drapes along with some heavy blackout curtains to preserve the cool air inside and block out the external heat. Slide-out the heavy drapes in the night time with the coverage of only lighter ones on the window.

Opt for Cooler hues

Give a seasonal upgrade to your home by opting for light color hues on walls. Lighter shades and interiors not only give an illusion of a bigger space but also reflect heat instead of absorbing it. It helps you keep your house naturally cool and gives a fresh feel to the interiors. Besides the wall and ceiling, you could use cotton bed sheets in the pastel shades for cool and comfortable nights.

Green Quotient

Add natural elements inside and outside the home to make your house breathe in summers. Besides the aesthetically pleasing plants, opt for plants like aloe vera plant, palm trees, and ferns to keep the air quality inside cool and fresh. Upgrade your balconies with potted plants and shrubs to reduce the temperature with the help of shade-providing plants like- palms, cannas, Figs, Sunflowers, etc. Position the plants in a way that blocks the sun rays like in front of the windows that would act as a natural air conditioner.  You can also create an indoor version of your own small zen garden with plants, white marbles, and waterfall to keep the inside temperature cool.

Switch out the lights

Use high efficient and energy-saving lights like LED to reduce the heat inside the house. Switch off the lights in the day time and avoid usage of low watt light bulb as it increases the heat as compared to smart lighting systems. LED lights generate less heat and consume less electricity.

While there are a lot of hacks to keep you home cool like usage of exhausts, creating a smart kitchen, keeping the fans on, putting blinds in the windows, and opting for cotton upholstery, beat the heat this summer with the tips that suit your home the best.