Although the weather may have cooled down for a lot of us for the moment, many parts are expecting a follow-up to the heatwave that saw temperatures soaring in late Spring/early Summer. What’s more, many are expecting that such heatwaves may be a more common occurrence, which a lot of homes just aren’t equipped to handle. If you want to live in a little more comfort and cool, then you might want to look at how you can design your home around it.
Making The Move To AC
If you don’t have one yet, then it may be time to consider buying an air conditioner. AC sales have been on the rise, offering much more effective whole-home cooling than fans. However, your ability to install an air conditioner is largely going to be determined by the available space that you have. For instance, a lot of homes with smaller windows or windows that only have small opening portions are not able to fit the window-mounted models, which tend to be some of the most powerful.
Maximise Your Airflow With New Windows
One of the main problems homes have with coping with the heat is being able to get airflow throughout the home through relatively small window fittings. As such, investing in the help of a sash window installation company could offer the benefit of the natural ventilation that comes with their vertical sliding design. Opening both the top and bottom sashes allows warm air to escape from the top while cooler air enters from the bottom, creating a natural convection current. These windows can also offer enough space to house an AC unit, which can help cool the home much more directly.
Add More Insulation To The Windows
While opening the windows can offer good airflow at times, when the sun is beating down directly on them, you want to take the opposite approach and close them off as best as possible ot prevent solar gain. To that end, reflective window coverings like solar films or aluminum-backed blinds block out intense sunlight while still allowing some visibility. Thermal blackout curtains or cellular shades add insulation, as well, helping to stop heat from getting into the home quite as easily.
Keep Cross-Ventilation In Mind
Cross-ventilation can create natural cooling drafts throughout the home without having to use air conditioning as much. For instance, you can arrange window openings on opposite walls or across rooms, allowing a cooling breeze to make its way through the home. When you’re cross-ventilating, be sure to keep the doors open to help circulation move more effectively throughout the home. You can also use portable fans to help enhance this air movement. This is especially effective when it’s cooler outside, rather than during the peak temperature hours.
Whether you opt for a few major installations that can help cool the home down dramatically, or you make just a few changes to increase your insulation, it’s a good idea to start taking steps to address the impending heatwaves.