November 25, 2020 Energy efficiency

The top 10 ways to keep your home cool during a Melbourne summer without air con

As summer fast approaches us here in Melbourne, we are all feeling the heat! Across Victoria, and Australia, rising temperatures see many of us reach for the fan or aircon to stay cool during these warmer months. But what do you do when that isn’t enough? Or maybe you don’t have aircon or cooling in your home, and need to rely on other ways to keep yourself cool!

Finding ways to stay cool is also beneficial for your energy bills, which can soar during summer. We understand how Melbourne summers can be scorchers, and we want to help you stay cool and save money at the same time. To do this, we have compiled a list of 10 ways to help keep you cool this summer, without simply turning on the cooling. Read on for some cooling inspiration!

Double Glazed Windows

You may not have considered it, but installing double glazed windows is one of the best ways to combat the heat! Double glazed windows are made using two panes of glass, separated by a gap which is often filled with insulating gases. This combination of glass and gas allows for much higher levels of insulation than your standard window, and therefore prevents heat from entering your home, and retains the cool for longer! If you are running fans or aircon, double glazed windows significantly cut down the time you need them on, helping to decrease your power bills while saving energy. A solution that benefits you, your budget and the environment? Sounds pretty good to us!

Close Your Blinds

Simply closing your blinds can have a real impact on the temperature in your home. This is most important for the windows which face north and west, as they see the most intense sun. Black-out curtains are a step above, and help to completely shield your home from the harsh sun.

Shade Your Home with External Covers

There are a few ways you can stop the heat from entering your home in the first place. By shading your windows, you are able to prevent the sun from directly hitting your home. Things such as blinds, awnings and large potted plants all make great shade coverings. You can also plant trees outside your windows which help to cast shade in summer, and let light shine through in winter! Window tinting also acts as a shade cover to help keep your home cool.

uPVC Framing

Did you know uPVC framing helps with temperature control? uPVC window frames are made specifically to the measurements of your home, and therefore are air and water tight. This means no warm air sneaking in past your window frames, or cool air escaping. uPVC window frames are often used with double glazed windows, and as mentioned above, they have intense insulating and cooling properties. Together, uPVC frames and double glazed windows can save you a lot of money and trouble during the warmer months, keeping you cool to do things you enjoy!

Adjust Your Ceiling Fans

If you have ceiling fans in your home, it may feel as if they just push the hot air around rather than actually cooling your room. Well, in some instances this is actually the case. The direction your fans spin directly affects their effectiveness in cooling the air!

By setting your fans to rotate counter-clockwise you will ensure the air is pushed straight down, cooling it. In winter, you want the reverse. Ceiling fans make a great addition to other cooling methods, so it is important to make sure they are working efficiently!

Keep Doors Closed

Close doors to the rooms you aren’t using to help keep the cool air where you actually are, instead of in rooms you aren’t using. If you are able to, seal the gaps around your doors to keep the cool air extra secure.

When it becomes cooler at night, you may want to do the opposite, and capitalize on the cooler weather by letting the air flow through your home.

Improve the Simple Fan

Are you in a home without an aircon? This simple trick is all you need to get icy-cool air circulating your room! Simply place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan to create a soothing, cool breeze. Play around with the position and depth of the bowl to find the best results!

Choose Cotton

When it’s hot, we often just throw on whatever loose clothes we can find. However, being conscious with your fabric choice can make a big difference. Cotton fabrics are extremely breathable, and help to cool down your body. Wear light, loose clothing where you can, and if you are able to find cotton bedsheets this also makes a big difference.

Close Off Fireplaces and Pet Doors

It is important to think of, and seal off, any areas in your home where cool air may be escaping, and heat entering. Do you have an unsealed fireplace, or a pet door? Use insulating tape, or other air containing methods, to keep the cool air inside and reduce wasted energy!

Check your Lightbulbs

Still having trouble cooling down your home? The culprit may be right in front of your eyes: Incandescent light bulbs! While these light bulbs were phased out in Australia, many homes still use them. This type of bulb produces a lot of heat, something you don’t need on those 40 degree days. Making the switch to energy-saving bulbs can both keep you cool and save you money, the ideal situation!

Thermotek Windows and Doors

At Thermotek, we know the Australian summer. Our uPVC double glazed windows help keep hundreds of Australian’s cool all summer long, without the hassle of extra fans or constant aircon. We believe in sustainable, long term solutions, and our windows provide just that.