Keeping Cool Nature’s Way

Enlist the help of Mother Nature to increase your comfort level this summer, while lowering your energy costs and environmental footprint. Here are some tips on keeping your home cool, nature’s way:

Passive cooling is one way to reduce the reliance on air conditioning in your home. This means preventing heat from entering your home in the first place. Installing a radiant barrier on the underside of your roof is one way to reduce heat gain. Using light colours on your home’s exterior will also lessen heat absorption. Sun-control reflective window coatings for windows in very bright rooms will reflect as much as 80 per cent of incoming heat. Caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows reduces heat and cool air loss by up to 25 per cent. Upgrading attic insulation will save money on both heating and cooling costs.

Windows are the source of up to 40 per cent of unwanted heat gain during the summer months. Exterior shading, such as awnings, louvres, shutters, solar screens and trees will help block out the sun and prevent heat gain.

Increase the energy efficiency of your landscape by planting shade trees to block the summer sun. Deciduous trees that will shade your home from the summer sun but let the sun in during the cold winter months are good choices.

Finally, on cooler days, turn down the air conditioner, turn on the fan, open the windows, and let nature do its work to cool your home.

Courtesy: Homeservice Club