Do you find yourself flagging when the temperatures rise? Would you like your home to be a cool sanctuary from the heat of the sun? There are a range of different things you can do to keep the temperature in your home at a bearable level. Here are some tips to help you keep your cool when all around you is scorching.

• Keep Your Blinds and Curtains Closed

An inexpensive solution for reducing the temperature indoors is to install mini blinds or curtains. Keep these closed during the day, and it reduces the amount of sunlight and heat streaming in through your windows. For optimum effect, choose blinds that are white on the side facing the outside. Window film and solar sunscreens are two more options that can reduce the amount of heat coming through the window.

• Open and Close Doors

To create the best airflow in your home, it’s a good idea to leave as many doors open as possible. However, it’s also a good idea to close doors to rooms you’re not using because this prevents cool air heading to these rooms.

• Be Smart with Your Fans

There are many ways you can use fans in your home to keep things cool. If you use fans in your home, try placing a bowl of ice water in front of them when you switch them on. The fans will blow the cooler mist from the ice around your home as it evaporates. It also helps to create a fan network, for example, one blowing into your room from the door and another blowing hot air out of the window. If you’ve got a ceiling fan, try setting it to spin counterclockwise because this means the blades are pulling air up, rather than pushing it down.

• Use Water Wisely

You can use water to cool down the air being circulated by a fan, but you also need to make sure you stay hydrated. Generally, aim to drink at least 2 litres of water every day. You can use water in other ways, for example, in a spray bottle so your can spritz yourself when you’re feeling warm. Freeze a handkerchief or ice pack and you can use it to instantly cool your neck, arms and legs.

• Install Air Conditioning

If you want to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round you should consider investing in air conditioning. As well as keeping your home at the right temperature, it also reduces the possibility of asthma attacks because it lowers the amount of pollen, mould, mildew and other allergens in your home. If you want to know more about air conditioning and getting it installed, head online for the latest information.

• Change Your Lighting

Not only are incandescent light bulbs very inefficient, they’re also very good at heating up a room. Replace these standard light bulbs with efficient alternatives such as LED (light-emitting diodes) or low-heat CFL (compact fluorescent lights). It’s also going to help if you turn off lights when they’re not needed.

There are many effective ways to keep your home cool. Some require investment, but there are several things that cost nothing at all. Try one or more of these tips and your home will be much cooler.