Summer is here and with it come long bright days and higher temperatures. While most of the time this wonderful warm days are a delight, there are other times when they can become insufferable. If temperature soar, you will want to ensure that your home is a cool, safe heaven.
It’s Cool To Be Cool
You electric appliances and light bulbs actually affect the indoor temperature of your home. Summer is the perfect time to change any incandescent light bulbs at home for energy efficient ones such as LEDs or CFLs. By doing so, you will not only reduce up to 80% of the electricity used to light up your home, but will also achieve lower indoor temperatures. You should also consider upgrading major electrical appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers and dryers which might be past their prime, for more efficient ones – you will be helping the planet, your finances and will be keeping your rooms a few degrees cooler.
Give Your Windows The VIP Treatment.
Window treatments both inside and out can help you keep your home fresh. Window treatments will enhance your home’s appearance and will also reduce the interior temperature. With the right blinds or curtains you will be able to keep the sunlight out of any room, which will in turn reduce their temperature. Lighter coloured drapes and thermal blinds are the most efficient in reducing heat transmission while cellular shades are great at providing an insulating effect.
Out With The Old In With The New
Repairing or replacing old or damaged windows can be one of the most effective moves when trying to control your home’s temperature this summer. There is a great amount of heat gain dependant on the type and quality of your windows. If you have leaky windows or if they were built of energy inefficient materials, this will directly affect how hot your home will become during the summer days (and how cold it will be during winter as well!). By repairing, sealing or waterproofing your windows you might be able to save up to 10% on your energy bills. If you choose to replace your windows rather than repair them, think of double glazing and high-performance glass (low-E coating) which can reduce heat transfer significantly.
Insulation Is King
If you are looking for a small home renovation project this summer that will help keep your home cool, look at insulating leaky ducts, including those in your attic and walls. If you are ready for a bigger renovation project and insulation is on the table, you want to make sure that you chose the right materials when undertaking this task. Consider insulation material which contains a high thermal mass, which basically means it will store heat efficiently but it will also prevent heat from penetrating your home just as well.
Make Your Garden Beautiful
Did you know that making improvements to the outside of your home and your garden or front lawn can help reduce the heat that is transferred into your home? Try planting shade trees to shelter windows that are directly exposed to the sun or why not think of installing an awning to provide some shade directly outside your windows and doors. You might also want to try painting the outside of your home a lighter colour to help minimise heat absorption or use patio or deck materials that are heat reflecting.
Whatever it is that you choose to do to keep you cool this summer, if it involves any kind of renovation, we would be more than happy to help. Give us a call at 020 71186155 or visit us at our new office at 185 Fulham Palace Road in Hammersmith and share your vision with us, we would be very keen in helping you make it a reality.
