5 Tips on How to Keep Your Home Cool This Summer: Our Complete Guide

When summer arrives, keeping your home cool can feel like a constant challenge, especially as temperatures climb. While blasting the air conditioner is an option, it can lead to high energy bills and isn’t always the most eco-friendly solution.

Luckily, there are plenty of simple and effective ways to keep your home comfortable without relying solely on AC. From making the most of natural ventilation to minimising indoor heat sources, a few small changes can make a big difference.

Whether you’re looking to save on energy costs or just want a more comfortable living space, these five tips will help you beat the heat and enjoy a cooler, more refreshing home all season long. These tips, along with regular air conditioning maintenance, will keep your home comfortable during the heat.

Ready to stay cool and comfortable? Let’s get started.

1. Optimise Your Windows, Curtains and Blinds

Your windows, curtains and blinds play a bigger role in keeping your home cool than you might think. By managing sunlight and airflow, you can make your space feel more comfortable even on the hottest days.

Here are a few simple ways to optimise your windows and blinds:

• Keep blinds and curtains closed during peak hours: Closing blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day (usually between 10am and 4pm) can prevent a lot of heat from entering your home. Blackout curtains or thermal blinds work especially well.
• Use reflective window film: Applying reflective film to windows can block out intense UV rays without making your rooms too dark. It’s an affordable way to keep rooms cooler.
• Open windows strategically: In the evening, when temperatures drop, open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a cross-breeze. This helps cool things down naturally without relying on air conditioning.
• Invest in insulated or double-glazed windows: While more costly, insulated windows reduce heat transfer, helping your home stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Optimising windows, curtains and blinds is a simple but powerful way to control your indoor temperature and stay cool.

2. Use Fans Effectively

Fans can be a game-changer when it comes to cooling your home, especially if you know how to use them right. Ceiling fans, for instance, should rotate counterclockwise in the summer. This setting creates a cool breeze by pushing air down, making rooms feel cooler without actually lowering the temperature.

If you have box or oscillating fans, try positioning them near open windows in the evening. This way, you can pull in cooler night-time air while pushing warm air out, creating a cross-breeze that keeps things fresh and comfortable.

For an extra cooling boost, set up a small DIY evaporative cooler by placing a shallow pan filled with ice in front of a fan. The fan will blow cooler air from the ice, offering a refreshing breeze that can make a room feel noticeably cooler.

Fans are an energy-efficient alternative to AC, so using them strategically not only keeps your home comfortable but also helps you save on energy bills during those hot summer days.

3. Minimise Indoor Heat Sources

Keeping your home cool isn’t just about managing outside heat − it’s also about reducing heat from inside.

Everyday activities and appliances can raise indoor temperatures, so try these simple adjustments to minimise indoor heat sources:

• Limit oven and stove use: Cooking with the oven or stove can add a lot of heat to your kitchen. Try using a microwave, slow cooker, or even an outdoor grill to keep meals simple and cool.
• Switch to LED lighting: Incandescent and halogen bulbs give off heat, making your home warmer. LED bulbs are a cooler, energy-efficient alternative that won’t add to the temperature.
• Unplug electronics when not in use: Devices like laptops, chargers, and game consoles generate heat even when they’re off. Unplugging them or using a power strip can reduce this extra heat.
• Delay laundry and dishwashing: Running washers and dryers during the hottest part of the day can add unnecessary warmth. Do laundry or use the dishwasher during cooler hours, like early morning or late evening.

By minimising these heat sources, you’ll create a noticeably cooler environment without having to crank up the AC.

4. Invest in Proper Insulation

Insulation isn’t just for staying warm in winter − it’s also essential for keeping your home cool in summer. When your home is well-insulated, it blocks heat from entering, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. Insulating your attic, walls and even floors can make a significant difference in how cool your home stays during a heatwave.

Start by checking existing insulation levels, especially in the attic, where most heat tends to build up. Adding extra insulation or sealing any gaps around doors, windows, and vents will prevent cool air from escaping and keep hot air out.

Don’t overlook your windows and doors. Weatherstripping around frames can also boost your home’s insulation and make a big difference in indoor temperature.

Though insulation requires an upfront investment, it quickly pays off by reducing cooling costs and making your home more energy-efficient all year long. With proper insulation, you’ll enjoy a cooler home and better air quality while cutting back on energy use − and as a bonus, you’ll stay warmer when winter rolls back around.

5. Set Up a DIY Evaporative Cooler

Evaporative coolers, or “swamp coolers”, use the power of evaporation to cool the air − perfect for dry, hot days. While buying one can be pricey, you can easily set up a DIY version to cool down a room. Here’s how:

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need a fan, a shallow pan or bowl, and ice cubes. If possible, use a larger fan for more airflow.
• Place ice in front of the fan: Fill the shallow pan with ice cubes and position it directly in front of the fan. As the ice melts, the fan blows cooler air from the ice, helping to lower the room temperature.
• Experiment with placement: Try placing the fan near a window to pull in fresh air or in the middle of the room for broader circulation. You can also freeze water bottles to swap out easily when the ice melts.
• Stay cool on-the-go: For a personal evaporative cooler, use a small fan with a bowl of ice for a quick cool-down at your desk or bedside.

This simple setup provides a refreshing breeze, keeping you cool without increasing energy costs at all.

Save Energy and Money

Keeping your home cool this summer doesn’t have to be a struggle or mean cranking up the air conditioning all day.

By making a few smart adjustments, like using fans effectively, minimising indoor heat sources, and optimising windows and blinds, you can create a cooler, more comfortable space without skyrocketing energy bills. Investing in proper insulation and trying out a DIY evaporative cooler are also easy ways to beat the heat naturally.

These tips don’t just keep your home cool − they also save energy, which is better for the environment and your wallet. So, whether you’re facing a heatwave or just a warm afternoon, these simple strategies can help you stay refreshed and relaxed all summer long. Give them a try and enjoy the difference.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.