Tips on Surviving the Hot Summer Season at Home
The Philippines is no stranger to sunshine, and therefore, hot weather. We practically bathe in it year-round! But when summer rolls around, that sunshine intensifies, transforming our beloved islands into a tropical furnace with the excess heat. While the extended daylight hours bring longer days for beach trips and family gatherings, the scorching heat can also leave us feeling sluggish, dehydrated, and just plain hot.
That said, keeping indoor temperature and home cooler during the scorching summer months require a combination of strategies to combat the extreme heat. While the vibrant energy is undeniable, the heat can leave even the most patient feeling drained. Amidst the scorching temperatures, ensuring your home remains a sanctuary of coolness is paramount. From harnessing the power of air conditioners to implementing simple yet effective strategies like sealing drafts and optimizing natural ventilation, there are various methods to keep your house cool and beat the sweltering heat.
The Dreadful Yet Vibrant Start of Summer
As the calendar flips to March, a subtle shift takes hold in the Philippines. The cool amihan winds, which have graced us since November, begin to fade, replaced by a gentle whisper of the coming warm season. The days stretch longer, inviting vibrant sunsets that paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. While the official start of summer might vary slightly from year to year, the telltale signs are undeniable: the once-lush greenery takes on a golden hue, the air thickens with anticipation, and the collective Filipino spirit embraces the vibrant energy that summer brings. This also means the energy bill goes up the roof with frequent use of ceiling fan, box fans, and ac units.
Summer is a time for embracing a whole new rhythm. It’s the perfect opportunity to revamp your diet with lighter, cooling options, try a new exercise regimen at home, or relax with a refreshing iced drink at your favorite coffee shop. The streets become a vibrant testament to the hot season, with vendors selling halo-halo popping up everywhere. While these refreshing treats are a delicious way to cool down, conquering the summer heat extends beyond relying solely on icy delights. If you’re fortunate enough to have the space, create a summer oasis in your house and lot with accessible amenities like a swimming pool, playgrounds, or open areas for family and friends to enjoy.
However, the summer sun brings more than just cooling treats and leisurely activities. The onset of high temperatures can also pose health risks like heat stroke, sunburn, high blood pressure, and dehydration. With the rising heat index, fire hazards also increase. Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize your well-being and prepare your home for the hot season. Luckily, March, also known as Fire Prevention Month, is the ideal time to start!
So, do you want to keep your home cool and breezy but don’t know where to start? Worry not! This blog will provide valuable top tips and recommendations on summer-proofing your house and lot before the temperatures truly soar.
Minimize the Use of Heat-Generating Appliances
One effective strategy for keeping your house cool is to minimize the use of heat-generating appliances inside. Here’s how:
Swap the Stove for the Microwave
Traditional ovens, slow cooker, and oven toasters can significantly raise the house temperature. Opt for the microwave whenever possible for quicker and more energy-efficient heating.
Grill Outdoors
Take advantage of the outdoors for grilling and cooking. Electric or charcoal grills used outside eliminate the heat generated from cooking indoors, keeping the overall temperature inside your house cooler.
Unplug Unused Electronics
Even electronics on standby generate heat. Get into the habit of unplugging computers, televisions, Bluetooth speakers, and other devices when not in use. This small step not only helps keep your house cool but also saves energy.
Embrace the Breeze
By all means you should find ways for the house staying cool naturally like keeping open windows and doors strategically to create cross breeze, allowing cooler air to circulate and warm air to escape. However, remember to close windows and doors and the blinds closed during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, to prevent warm air from entering. Your air con units is not always the answer. In the end, you will save money by following these tips
Upgrade Your Lighting
Switching light bulbs might save you, as incandescent bulbs generate significant heat. Switching to LED bulbs is a simple yet effective way to reduce heat generation while enjoying energy savings.
Beyond Appliance Management
In addition to minimizing heat generation, consider these additional tips to create a cooler and more comfortable home during the summer months:
Utilize Blackout Curtains
During the hottest part of the day, draw blackout curtains to block sunlight, prevent heat from radiating through windows, and keep the outside temperature from going in. This is also a good way to keep the bedroom cool. This simple step can significantly reduce the heat gain in your home, making it feel cooler. While you are at it, go for cotton sheets during summer months.
Embrace the Power of Plants
Yes, you have read it right! Plants are effective when it comes to cooling your space. Indoor plants can help cool your home through a natural process called transpiration. As plants release water vapor into the air, they create a cooling effect like a gentle breeze.
Take Advantage of Ceiling Fans
This might sound a bit too amazing, but did you know that Ceiling fans set counter-clockwise can create a cooling effect by circulating air without lowering the temperature? This wind chill effect can make you feel several degrees cooler, especially when combined with other strategies.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Windows
If budget allows, consider replacing windows with energy-efficient options. These windows offer better insulation, preventing heat from entering your house and keeping the cool air inside.
Consider a Programmable Thermostat
Invest in a programmable thermostat if you have an air conditioner (AC unit). This allows you to regulate temperature settings day and night, optimizing comfort and energy efficiency. For example, you can set the AC to turn on only when necessary, such as during the hottest part of the day or while you’re sleeping. Also make sure to seal gaps in all the room, even the unused rooms and check the ceiling insulation to keep cool this summer.
Pro tips: Remember, heat rises. Utilize this knowledge by keeping activities and heat-generating appliances on the lower floors of your house whenever possible.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a cool and comfortable haven inside your home, allowing you to enjoy the summer without succumbing to the extreme heat.
Attic Insulation
Improving insulation reduces the heat influx into your home and effectively prevents the escape of cool air during hot seasons and the entry of cold air during chilly months. Adding additional insulation materials such as foam board, concrete block insulation, and reflective systems enhances this effect, decreasing heat transfer and energy consumption. Consequently, you’ll notice a significant decrease in your electricity bills.
Moreover, investing in high R-value insulation can offer even greater benefits. R-value, a crucial metric, gauges the effectiveness of insulation in resisting the conductive flow of heat. By opting for insulation with a higher R-value, you can further mitigate the movement of hot air within your home, ensuring better temperature regulation year-round.
To complement your efforts in enhancing insulation, consider other energy-saving measures like switching to energy-efficient light bulbs and installing energy-efficient windows. These strategies contribute to reducing heat loss and heat gain and enhancing the overall comfort of your living space. Picture yourself enjoying a cozy atmosphere in winter without the intrusion of icy cool breezes and relishing in refreshing coolness during summer without the burden of excessive energy consumption.
Proper Ventilation
Ventilation stands out as the most cost-effective and energy-efficient method to cool your home. Beyond mere temperature control, effective ventilation plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal air quality, eliminating lingering cooking odors, mitigating moisture buildup, dispersing smoke, and warding off uncomfortably high temperatures.
Ventilation contributes significantly to maintaining a refreshing and comfortable atmosphere indoors by facilitating air circulation. However, to enhance its effectiveness, it’s advisable to complement general ventilation with targeted spot ventilation solutions such as exhaust fans, ceiling fans, desk fans, stand fans, and window fans. Conveniently, you can find all these essential cooling appliances at AllHome.
Cooling Up Your Room with Light and Vibrant Colors
As warmer weather approaches, it’s an opportune time to refresh your home’s interiors and infuse them with renewed vibrancy. One impactful way to achieve this is by updating your interior color scheme, which can enhance the cooling effect of your living spaces and uplift your mood and behavior.
Each season brings with it its own unique color palette, and for the summer months, opting for lighter, airy hues is key to capturing the radiant joy of sunshine and promoting a cooler ambiance indoors.
Consider incorporating Pantone’s Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, for a contemporary touch. This delicate and warm color evokes a sense of calmness and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for infusing your home with a summery and inviting feel. To complement Peach Fuzz, explore colors like:
Light and cool Grays
These colors create a sense of spaciousness and serenity, allowing Peach Fuzz to stand out as a focal point.
Seafoam Green
This refreshing green evokes the tranquility of the ocean, creating a calming and balanced atmosphere.
Sky Blue
This light and airy blue complements Peach Fuzz beautifully, adding a coastal coolness to your space.
Soft Peach
This delicate and warm color creates a sense of cheerfulness and pairs well with Peach Fuzz for a harmonious and summery feel.
By embracing these fresh and updated color trends, you can transform your home into a welcoming oasis that reflects the spirit of summer while ensuring a cool and comfortable environment for relaxation and enjoyment.
Upgrade Your Air-conditioning System
During the scorching summer, the air conditioner becomes a staple appliance, but its frequent use can lead to soaring energy consumption and inflated electricity bills.
Fortunately, upgrading to an inverter-type air conditioning system can significantly reduce energy consumption, lowering electricity costs. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the unit every other month, is crucial for optimal performance.
This maintenance ensures a strong airflow for enhanced cooling and guarantees a constant supply of fresh air, leaving your home filled with an invigorating, icy-cool breeze. Additionally, paying attention to the air filter and cleaning it regularly to maintain efficiency and indoor air quality is essential.
For further energy savings, consider switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, which can complement your air conditioner’s cooling efforts. If you’re searching for a budget-friendly and long-lasting air conditioning solution, explore the range of options available on AllHome’s official website. Their selection caters to diverse needs, promising a comfortable and enjoyable indoor environment throughout the summer season and beyond.
Welcome the Summer Heat Prepared
March and April mark the peak of the scorching summer in the Philippines. Being proactive, understanding potential risks, and gathering information to prepare for the season’s extremes are essential.
During the vibrant yet challenging start of summer, it’s important to be prepared with home remedies for sunburn.
In case of emergencies such as fires, it’s crucial to have a plan in place. Identify and list the contact information for the nearest Bureau of Fire Protection headquarters. This ensures quick access to assistance if needed. Additionally, organizing and securing important documents like medical information and insurance plans can provide peace of mind during unforeseen situations.
These proactive measures help to avoid potential challenges and ensure a safe and enjoyable summer season. Safety should always remain a top priority while basking in the warm sunshine with family and friends.
Enhancing your summer experience is easy with Camella communities. Enjoy amenities like swimming pools, basketball courts, clubhouses with free Wi-Fi, parks, and playgrounds. Camella, recognized as the largest home builder in the Philippines, offers the perfect setting for creating lasting memories. To discover more about Camella’s latest offerings, visit their website or follow their social media accounts for updates and insights.
Celebrate Life’s Milestones in Camella!
Make unforgettable memories in a Camella home.
Our communities are designed to elevate your living experience.
