Staying cool: effective strategies against heat in the house

Outdoor temperatures are once again reaching record levels across Austria this week. However, in addition to enjoying the nice weather, many people are suffering from sleepless nights and circulatory problems within their own four walls. A common misconception is that air conditioning units are the only sensible solution to relieve the heat in the home. However, these only eliminate the symptoms and not the cause of stagnant heat in the bedroom. Below we provide energy-efficient tips and tricks for cooling living spaces.

Correct ventilation and fans

Perhaps the most obvious trick for first aid in high temperatures is proper ventilation. This tip is aimed at all night owls and early risers on particularly hot days, as the best times in summer for cool, fresh air in living spaces are late in the evening or early in the morning. It is best to leave the windows open for a few hours for ventilation. Special care should be taken to close them again as soon as the temperature rises. During night-time ventilation, the stored heat can escape for several hours. The more storage mass you have in your living spaces, the longer the cooling will last during the day. Fly screens, which can be fitted to windows and garden doors, can help with problems caused by insects and midges. A ventilation system can also be installed to make the night ventilation burglar-proof. If night-time cooling is not sufficient, simple ventilation can help in living areas. This can be achieved using pedestal or table fans. With this combination of measures, an urban flat of 50 to 75 metres can be bearable for a large part of the time even without air conditioning. This can save up to 250 to 400 kWh/a of electricity compared to air conditioning. It also avoids doubling the average load on the electricity grid caused by a fully air-conditioned home. However, it should be borne in mind that there is no such thing as a 100 per cent silent fan. The noise level depends on the model and the output. You can find the decibel rating on most appliances before you buy them. The energy efficiency class should also be taken into account when selecting your fan. It should be noted that excessive use and too low a temperature in the living space can in turn lead to circulation problems and a stiff neck.

Air circulation

The keyword in this context is cross-ventilation. It makes sense to open windows on opposite sides of the room or flat to allow good air circulation. This creates an air flow that transports the warm air outside and draws in the cool air. In this context, fans can also stimulate the circulation of air in the room. You can initially set up the fan so that it blows the warm air from inside to outside. As soon as most of the warm air has left the room, you can position it so that it blows the air inwards.

External sun protection and window insulation

In addition to closed windows, blinds and shutters keep the sun's rays out of the home during the day. Sun protection from the outside makes the most sense. If you don't have this, you can remedy the situation with opaque curtains. Contrary to some myths, sun protection films are less effective than opaque roller shutters. Insulating the windows helps all the more. If you have insulated your living space in winter to protect it from the cold and save energy, you also have a good chance of having pleasant temperatures in your home in summer. In dry heat, you can fall back on well-known household tips such as wet curtains or towels in front of the windows. This benefits from the evaporative cooling and cools the room naturally. However, this trick should not be used in hot and humid conditions, as the effect can be reversed in humid climates.

Switch off heat sources and set the heating to summer mode

Another recommendation is to switch off heat sources that are not needed. If you have the luxury of having two fridges, you should be aware that they release the heat they extract from their contents directly into the room. Electronic devices produce heat when in continuous operation. In addition to fridges, this also applies to lamps, freezers, televisions and computers. It makes sense to switch off appliances when they are not in use for long periods. This simple trick will minimise the heat emitted by your appliances and your energy consumption. Care should be taken not to expose your technical appliances to direct sunlight in order to avoid overheating and possible consequential damage. You should also switch your heating system to summer mode. This is another step you can take to avoid unnecessary heating costs.

Keeping yourself cool

It is also important to keep yourself cool within your own four walls. We recommend opting for light, airy and light-coloured clothing. Materials such as cotton or linen are particularly favourable. Avoid tight or synthetic clothing as this can trap the heat. A bowl of ice water or cold, damp cloths on the body can help if the body overheats indoors. It is also important to keep your body sufficiently hydrated.

Conclusion

The luxury of air-conditioning your own living space is not an option for everyone in times of energy saving. However, you can still create a pleasant, cool atmosphere in your own four walls with these tips and tricks.