While we are not a tropical region by any stretch of the imagination, Waterloo Region summers can still be brutal at times, with high temperatures and humidity that can make your home feel like an oven.
While air conditioning may seem like the best solution to stay cool, it's not always the most practical or environmentally friendly. It's also not very budget friendly, as energy costs are undoubtedly still rising.
The good news is that there are lots of natural ways to keep your home cool in the summer without relying solely on air conditioning. In this article, we will explore ten natural ways to keep a home cooler in summer in Canada in more detail with ideas you can implement now, before the summer arrives this year.
Keep Your Windows Covered During the Day
When the sun is shining directly on your windows, it can quickly heat up your home. To prevent this, keep your windows covered during the day, especially those that face the sun.
Close the blinds or curtains every morning to block out the sunlight and prevent heat from entering your home. This can reduce the temperature in your home by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It will also help prevent the strong summer sunlight from fading your flooring.
Open Your Windows at Night
When the sun goes down and the temperature drops, open your windows to let in the cooler air. Use fans to circulate the air throughout your home. A ceiling fan can be especially helpful in keeping your home cool by creating a gentle breeze.
Use Light Coloured Window Coverings
Light-colored window coverings, such as shades or blinds, are more effective in keeping your home cooler during the summer months for a few reasons. First, they reflect sunlight, which reduces the amount of heat that enters your home. This can help keep your home cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning. Dark-coloured window coverings, on the other hand, absorb heat, which can cause your home to feel warmer.
Second, light-coloured window coverings can help block out UV rays, which can also contribute to the amount of heat that enters your home. UV rays can fade furniture, carpets, and other items in your home, so blocking them out can have multiple benefits.
Third, light-coloured window coverings can create a brighter and more open feeling in your home, which can make it feel cooler and more comfortable. Darker colors tend to absorb light and make a room feel smaller and more closed off.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to set the AC temperature in your home based on your schedule. You can set it to automatically adjust the temperature when you're not at home or at night when you're sleeping.
This can help reduce your energy bills and keep your home cool without excessive air conditioning. According to Energy Star, you can save up to 10% on your cooling costs by using a programmable thermostat.
Use Natural Ventilation
Use natural ventilation to cool your home. Cross-ventilation is the process of using open windows or doors on opposite sides of your home to create a natural breeze. This helps circulate the air and keeps your home cool.
You can also use a whole-house fan to pull cool air into your home and exhaust hot air through the attic. Whole-house fans use about one-tenth of the energy of air conditioning and can be a cost-effective way to keep your home cool.
Plant Trees and Shrubs
Planting trees and shrubs around your home can help keep it cool. Trees provide shade, which reduces the amount of heat that enters your home. Shrubs can also help by reducing the amount of sunlight that hits your windows.
Plant trees on the west and east sides of your home to block the sun's rays during the hottest parts of the day. Deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in the winter, can provide shade in the summer and allow sunlight to enter your home during the winter.
Use a Dehumidifier
Humidity can make your home feel hotter than it actually is. Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. This will not only make your home feel cooler but also improve indoor air quality. The ideal humidity level is between 30% and 50%.
You can also reduce humidity in your home by taking shorter showers, running exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathrooms, and using a clothesline to dry clothes instead of a dryer.
Use Natural Fabrics
Natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen, and bamboo, are breathable and can help keep you cool in the summer. Use cotton or linen sheets and lightweight blankets on your bed. Consider using bamboo or cotton curtains to keep out the sun's rays. Natural materials are also more environmentally friendly and sustainable, making them a great choice for your home if you are trying to live a little greener.
Cook Cooler
Cooking at home during the summer can be a challenge, especially if you're trying to keep your home cool. Using your oven or stove can generate a significant amount of heat, which can increase the temperature in your home and make it uncomfortable. However, there are several ways to cook "cooler" at home during the summer months that do not involve ordering take out every night!
One option is to use a slow cooker or pressure cooker. These appliances use less energy and generate less heat than a traditional oven or stove. Slow cookers are especially useful for cooking soups, stews, and other one-pot meals.
You can prepare your ingredients in the morning, turn on the slow cooker, and let it cook all day without heating up your kitchen. Pressure cookers are also great for cooking meals quickly and efficiently and making sure that you and your family get those healthy home cooked meals experts are always recommending even when everyone is super busy all day.
Another option is to cook outside on a grill or have even have a casual home picnic. This will keep the heat outside and reduce the temperature inside your home. Grilling is a great way to cook meats, vegetables, and even fruits. You can also use a portable induction cooktop, which uses less energy and generates less heat than a traditional stove. These can be used indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference.
Finally, consider making more cold meals during the summer months. Salads, sandwiches, and smoothies are all refreshing options that don't require cooking. You can also prepare meals in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. This will not only keep your home cool but also save you time and energy in the kitchen.
Create a Cooler Roof
Creating a cooler roof is a great way to keep your home cool during the summer months. A cool roof reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption, which can help keep your home cooler and reduce your energy bills. There are several ways homeowners can create a cooler roof.
One option is to choose a light-colored roof. Light-colored roofs reflect sunlight, which reduces the amount of heat that enters your home. Dark-colored roofs absorb heat, which can cause your home to feel warmer. You can choose a light-colored roof when installing a new roof or use a reflective coating on your existing roof. This can reduce the temperature of your roof by as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which can have a significant impact on the temperature inside your home.
Another option is to use cool roof tiles or shingles. These are designed to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. They are available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can choose the option that best fits your home's aesthetic.
Finally, you can use an insulation layer to create a cooler roof. Insulation can help reduce heat transfer between your attic and living space, which can keep your home cooler. You can use traditional insulation, such as fiberglass or cellulose, or a radiant barrier, which reflects heat away from your home.
In conclusion, keeping your home cool during the hot summers in the Waterloo Region doesn't have to be a challenge. By using these ten natural ways to keep your home cool, you can enjoy a comfortable and energy-efficient home all summer long.
If you are a potential homebuyer searching for a cool and comfortable home, remember that Team Pinto is here to help. As a top-rated real estate team in the Waterloo Region, we have the expertise and knowledge to help you find the perfect home to fit your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you find your dream home.