Our friendly weather folk are predicting another scorcher this summer.
Although we are lucky enough to have that massive expanse of water to plunge into when we’ve just had enough of the heat, it’s not always practical to pop down to the beach for a wallow, so here are some great ideas on how to keep your home – and you – as cool as possible this summer.
Most homes on the North Coast are either fitted with ceiling fans or air conditioning units. Ceiling fans don’t actually lower the room temperature, but instead work the same way that a breeze does: by moving air around and over your skin. They can be an effective alternative to air conditioning units and although not as effective, are much cheaper to buy and run.
Air conditioning units are definitely the most effective cooling mechanisms and there is one, the Inverter, that cuts electrical usage by up to 40% in summer. A big advantage of Inverter air conditioners is that a variable-speed compressor enables room temperature to be kept at a pre-set temperature without frequent switching of the compressor on and off. The result is a substantial saving in electricity usage compared with a conventional air conditioner.
Try this, for something different: Applying reflective or tinted film to windows apparently buys you hours of cooler temperatures before the house heats up.
Think about erecting temporary shade structures on the sunny side of the house. Keeping potted plants there will help keep the space cool. Open up the house for cross ventilation during the cooler parts of the day.
Here are some great foodie ideas on keeping you and the family cool:
Stock your freezer with flavored ice treats. Freeze a bag of chopped fruit such as litchis.
Use a hint of mint. Mint refreshes the skin and leaves a nice cooling sensation. There are even a few minty recipes you could try, for example: Candied Mint Leaves and Watermelon Yogurt Mint.
Eat spicy food. It’s not a coincidence that people in other hot regions of the world eat spicy food. Spicy food increases perspiration which cools the body as it evaporates. It also can cause an endorphin rush that is quite pleasant and might make you forget about the heat.