5 air conditioning alternatives to keep your home cool this summer

Meteorologists are predicting a hot, hazy and humid summer. And though it’s easy to idealize the summer months after enduring a long winter, heavy perspiration and heat stroke are no joke. Therefore, it’s imperative that you equip your home with ways to beat the heat.

Though many rely on air conditioning to keep cool, the unit itself can be exceedingly expensive and once it’s in use, it will inevitably add to steadily increasing hydro fees.

In addition to elevated rates, air conditioners can be a breeding ground for fungus. When cold air circulates through the unit, moisture accumulates in the fan blades and without diligent cleaning, dangerous bacteria can be blown into your home, acting as a catalyst for harmful respiratory infections. For this reason, air conditioners require tedious maintenance.

So if you want to steer clear of the cost and the upkeep, consider these alternatives to keep your home comfortable amidst the sweltering summer heat:

1) Use your ceiling fan

Despite being underestimated and often misused, ceiling fans are a great way to stay cool without breaking the bank. Still, there is much to consider.

If the fan’s blades are tilted less than 12 degrees, then the unit won’t facilitate any significant air circulation. Also, the fan should be spinning counter-clockwise to properly pull hot air up and out of your space. Once summer is over, however, you can run your fan clockwise to generate heat.

Fans also require frequent cleaning or else dust will accumulate and be blown around your house.

2) Spray your curtains

On stickier days, when cracking a window won’t suffice, spray cold water on a thin curtain. This will cool incoming air and bring your home’s overall temperature from blazing to bearable.

The same can be done on your bed. Before you begin your nighttime routine, lightly spray your sheets with cold water so that by the time you actually lay down, your sheets will be cool and cozy.  

3) Cool off with plants

Why not wipe the sweat from your brow with a green thumb? Trees and vines shield your home from overwhelming sun rays and can reduce the heat that your home absorbs.

According to energy conservation specialist John Krigger, ”most heat that accumulates inside a house comes directly from the sun shining onto the roof or through windows.” We wouldn’t advise turning your roof into a makeshift garden but placing leafy plants in front of your windows will definitely help you stay cool this summer.

4) Avoid your oven

If your home feels like the inside of an oven, turning on the actual oven won’t offer much relief. Since it’s no secret that using your oven and stove in the summer makes your house hotter, why not cook your dinner on the barbecue instead?  

This is not an everyday solution so when you do decide to use your oven, be sure to turn on the range hood immediately afterwards to diffuse heat and moisture at the source.

5) Choose the right light

There is a strong debate between traditional and alternative light bulbs, and incandescent bulbs have not fared very well.

Unlike newer light sources, incandescent light bulbs use 90% of their energy on the heat that they emit and only 10% actually creating light, thus costing more money and generating more heat. LEDs emit less energy and prevent this build-up, thereby making them more conducive to creating a cool, comfortable space in the summer.

Regardless of your stance on the matter, you will have to transition from incandescent bulbs as they are gradually being phased out by retailers in Canada.

We hope that these air conditioning alternatives help you stay cool this summer!