10 Fun & Energy-Efficient Ways to Keep Your Home Cool This Summer Here in Beautiful Wellington

When Welly summer cranks up the heat, it’s tempting to blast the air conditioning. But what if you could keep your home cool without that shocking power bill? Ensuring you’re an environmental warrior AND have the coolest home (both metaphorically and literally) in town can be done, which is why we’ve come up with 10 easy ways to stay chill this summer without breaking the bank. 

1. Install a Heat Pump – The Coolest Upgrade!

Think of a heat pump as your home’s year-round temperature wizard. It keeps you cool in summer and cozy in winter, all while using much less energy than a standard air conditioning unit. 

It’s a common misconception that heat pumps aren’t energy efficient. But modern heat pumps deliver approximately 300-400% efficiency. This means for every 1kW of power your heat pump uses, it can deliver between 3-4kW in heating or cooling. The more efficient an appliance is, the cheaper it is to run! 

Ensuring your heat pump is regularly serviced, that its filters are kept clean, using a built-in timer to switch your heat pump on and off, and that the space that you’re intending to cool is enclosed can ensure that you’re using your heat pump as efficiently as possible and aren’t wasting power. If you’re thinking about installing a heat pump, our installation team can help. To get a free quote, click the button below.

Top tip: It's recommended that your heat pump runs between 18 – 22 degrees Celsius in cooling mode during the summer to save energy. Your home actually won't cool down any quicker if you set the temperature lower, to say 16 degrees, it just means your heat pump will work a lot harder – meaning you'll use more energy. When cooling, keep the temperature at 18 degrees celsius at the lowest. 

2. Fan-tastic Cooling Tricks

Fans are like your personal breeze machines! Make sure your ceiling fans are spinning counterclockwise to push cool air down. For portable fans, place them beside a window so that the cool breeze from outside gets pushed inside. Your best bet is to do this when the outside temperature is cooler than the inside temperature of your house, in the mornings or evenings is usually best. Want a DIY air conditioner? Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan and let the cool mist refresh you!

Although heat pumps and fans are far more efficient than air conditioning units, you may want to cool your home without power at all! Discover our electricity-free tips below. 

3. Let It Air Out

Open windows and doors in the morning and evening when it’s cooler outside. Let the fresh air in and let it push all that stuffy hot air out. Cross-ventilation (opening windows on opposite sides of the house) works like a natural air conditioner—no electricity required! There’s often at least a soft breeze in Wellington to help with this, just ensure all doors and windows are properly secured open to avoid any large gusts coming along and slamming them closed!

4. Curtains: Your Secret Weapon

Sunlight streaming through your windows might look pretty, but it’s also turning your home into a hot box. If you’re blessed enough to have a lot of natural sunlight in your home during the day, block out the heat with blackout curtains, tinted windows or reflective blinds—bonus points if they match your summer décor! 

Top tip: This doesn’t have to be an expensive upgrade, your regular curtains or blinds may do the trick, if you still want to see outside, try tinted window film. 

5. Seal It Up, Stay Chill

Think of your home like a cooler—you don’t want any leaks! Seal up gaps around doors and windows so the cool air stays in and the hot air stays out. DIY it by putting draught stopper round your windows, use door seals in summer as well as winter, and check whether you need any further insulation to fill gaps under your floors etc which, bonus, will also keep you warmer in the winter! 

6. Shady Business

Planting trees, installing awnings, or setting up outdoor pergolas can block the sun before it even hits your house. Not only does this keep your home cool, but it also adds curb appeal and value to your house. Win-win!

7. Ditch the Old-School Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs do more than light up a room, they actually heat up your home too. Swap them out for LED lights, which are around 85% more efficient, and enjoy a cooler home and a lower power bill. Plus, LEDs last way longer, so you won’t be replacing bulbs anytime soon. 

8. Turn Down the Heat (In the Kitchen!)

Ovens and stoves are basically indoor bonfires. Keep your home cooler by grilling outside, using a microwave, or embracing the magic of an air fryer. Summer is the perfect excuse for more fresh salads and BBQs anyway! 

9. Invest in a Good Quality Cooling Mattress Topper

A good night’s sleep is crucial, and a cooling mattress topper can make all the difference. Designed to regulate temperature and wick away heat, these toppers help you stay cool and comfortable, even on the warmest of nights.

10. Chill & Wrap!

Dampen a hand towel or face cloth with cold water, wring out the excess, and pop it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Once chilled, drape it over your neck, forehead, or pulse points to quickly cool down. Perfect for beating the heat and getting a better night's sleep! 

By using these fun and energy-efficient tricks, you can enjoy a cool and comfortable summer without dreading your next power bill. Want an effortless way to beat the heat? Let Sustainability Trust help you install a heat pump for the ultimate summer chill!

If you’re thinking about installing a heat pump to keep your home cool in the summer and warmer in the winter (while remaining energy efficient of course) our installation team can help. To get a free quote, click the button below.