10 Easy & Energy-Efficient Ways to Keep Your Home Cool This Summer
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? Believe it or not, it is possible to keep both your environmental impact and the power bill down - 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!
Don’t be fooled by the name. Think of a heat pump as your home’s year-round temperature wizard. It keeps you cool in summer and cosy 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. 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.
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.
Struggling to sleep in the heat? A heat pump is also a great option for bedrooms – no more bugs from open windows, or a noisy fan. Plus, it doubles as a heater in the winter.
If you’re thinking about installing a heat pump, our installation team can help. We also offer ducted central heating, which is basically a smart, vented heat pump system that allows you to control the temperature across every room in your home – the ultimate solution.
To get a free quote, click the button below!
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! Portable fans are also a great option if you’re renting, are on a budget or want to move the cool air effect around the house easily.
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
Sometimes all you need is a good airing routine. Open windows and doors in the morning and evening when it’s cooler outside - for at least twenty minutes. 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) creates a natural wind tunnel—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 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 and door seals for summer as well as winter. Check whether you need any further insulation to fill any gaps 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. If you’re opting for a pergola or awning, make the shade element removable so you can take it down in winter and let the sun shine in. 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. Great in winter, but not so much in the summer. 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. Still too hot to sleep? If you’re brave enough to jump under a cold shower before bed, we hear this can help too.
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. Need to cool down fast? Skip the freezer or pop in a couple of ice cubes instead. Perfect for beating the heat and getting a better night's sleep!
If you’ve tried all the quick and easy fixes, but you’re still feeling the heat inside – it might be time to look into a permanent solution. Get a Heat Pump quote today from our awesome team by clicking the button below.