Dust off your old fan and bring out the linen sheets. This summer promises to be a warm one. An air conditioning unit is a quick fix, but it isn’t the only way to cool your home. There are plenty of home hacks to help you keep the heat out and your running costs low.
Why do Apartments Get so Warm?
Insulation and Heat Retention
Apartment blocks are more prone to storing heat. They are well-insulated to keep your home warm during the colder months. However, that same insulation isn’t so handy between June and September when temperatures are high.
Sunlight Exposure
Our apartments have large windows that let in plenty of light, but that means they let in heat, too. The orientation of your apartment and the number of windows you have also affect the temperature in your home. South- or west-facing windows receive direct sunlight in the afternoon when the sun is at its highest.
Tips for Keeping the Apartment Cool in Summer:
Invest in a Portable Air Conditioner (AC)
Many of our apartments come with air conditioning built in. However, if you want to get the temperature down fast, investing in portable air conditioner is the quickest way to cool a room. Especially if you have pets that are vulnerable to overheating. The Russel Hobbs dual air conditioner and dehumidifier is a worthwhile investment. It has an A energy class rating and an integrated timer system, so you can efficiently cool your home.
If you prefer to keep your home air-con-free, here are some tips on how to cool an apartment room without AC.
How to Cool Down Each Room Without AC
- Keep Your Curtains and Blinds Shut
An easy, cost-free way to keep your apartment cool is to keep your curtains and blinds shut during the hottest hours of the day to keep out those hotter rays. In the British summer, that’s between 11 am and 4 pm. Blackout curtains are the most effective, or you can try reflective window film to block out heat.
- Set up Fans Around Your Home
If you can’t generate enough of a cool breeze opening your window, then fans are the next best thing. They’re much cheaper to run than air conditioning, costing only 20p-40p for continuous use over 24 hours, according to the Energy Saving Trust. To get that cool air flowing faster, place a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of the fan.
Fans can also be used to direct hot air out of the room. If you face your fan toward an open window, it will circulate the air, creating a cool current that moves warm air outside.
- Attach an Easy Breeze to your Window
Another budget-friendly gadget for cooling your home is an Eazy Breeze. An Easy Breeze is a simple window bracket that allows cooler air to flow naturally into your home while keeping curtains and blinds closed.
- Avoid Heat-Producing Appliances
Try to avoid using your oven or stove for long periods. Microwaveable food or cold dishes will help keep your home cooler for longer.
- Use Summer Bedding
Come summer, swap out your thick duvet for light cotton bed sheets or linen bedding. These materials are lighter and more breathable, which makes a big difference when your apartment is holding the heat from the day.
Keep Cool this Summer at Greenford Quay
Living in London? Don’t wait for a heatwave to start summer-proofing your home. These small changes will allow you to enjoy your Greenford Quay apartment year-round. Read more about summer living in Greenford Quay and the different amenities our community of residents can enjoy.
