Reducing room temperature: Top 15 strategies for comfortable living spaces
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As the mercury rises, keeping your apartment cool can be a challenge, especially when you're working with a limited budget. Here are some practical tips to help you beat the heat without breaking the bank.
Firstly, make the most of strategic fan placement and natural ventilation. By placing a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of a fan, you can create a DIY air conditioner that reduces room temperature without incurring high energy costs[1].
Another effective strategy is cross-ventilation. Use box fans in windows—one on the shaded side to pull cool air in, another on the sunny side to push hot air out. Open windows during early mornings and evenings when outdoor temperatures are lower to flush out heat[1][2][3].
To block or reflect heat from windows, consider using blackout or thermal curtains. These can significantly lower indoor temperatures by blocking sunlight[2][3].
In addition, turn off heat-generating appliances during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid using ovens or stoves, and prepare meals in the morning or use minimal cooking to reduce indoor heat[2].
Switching to energy-efficient bulbs is another simple step that helps reduce heat buildup[2]. Remember, incandescent bulbs emit heat, so replacing them with LEDs can make a difference.
It's also important to note that fans cool people, not rooms. Use fans only when you’re present to save energy. Ceiling fans should run counterclockwise in summer to push air down and create a cooling breeze[3].
To further enhance comfort, consider cooling fabrics and rest practices. Chill bed sheets or pillowcases in the freezer before use to aid sleep on hot nights[2].
Lastly, seal leaks and improve insulation to prevent cool air from escaping and heat from entering. This will help maintain comfort without extra energy use[3].
These simple methods can keep your apartment noticeably cooler and lower energy bills without installing or running air conditioning[1][2][3].
For those looking for more creative ways to cool down, making banana ice cream (nice cream) can be a refreshing alternative[14]. And, of course, leaving the apartment for a few hours to engage in outdoor activities, such as swimming or participating in summer activities, can provide relief from the heat[15].
Whether you're exploring the beautiful lakes around Graz[15.1] or enjoying the summer activities in Innsbruck[15.3], remember these tips to help you stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
References:
[1] The Spruce, (2021), How to Cool Down a Hot Apartment Naturally, [Online], Available: https://www.thespruce.com/cool-down-a-hot-apartment-naturally-1822325
[2] Energy Star, (2021), How to Keep Cool Without Air Conditioning, [Online], Available: https://www.energystar.gov/products/appliances/air_conditioning/keep_cool_without_air_conditioning
[3] The New York Times, (2021), 20 Ways to Keep Cool Without Air Conditioning, [Online], Available: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/13/realestate/how-to-keep-cool-without-air-conditioning.html
[14] All Recipes, (2021), Banana Ice Cream Recipe, [Online], Available: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/25131/banana-ice-cream/
[15.1] Graz Tourismus, (2021), Summer Activities in Graz, [Online], Available: https://www.graz-tourismus.at/en/summer/
[15.3] Innsbruck Tourism, (2021), Lakes Around Innsbruck, [Online], Available: https://www.innsbruck.info/en/lakes-around-innsbruck/
- To further optimize comfort at home, consider adopting a home-and-garden lifestyle that incorporates cooling fabrics and rest practices, such as chilling bed sheets or pillowcases before use to aid sleep on hot nights.
- Transforming your home into an oasis during hot weather can be accomplished through simple changes in lifestyle, such as focusing on energy-efficient home-and-garden practices, like using energy-efficient bulbs to reduce heat buildup.
