Indian summers -- from scorching April to sweltering June -- are not the easiest to live through. But realise this: You don’t always need an air conditioner to stay cool. With a few innovative tricks, you can keep your indoor spaces cool.
One of the biggest sources of indoor heat is sunlight streaming through windows. Use curtains in light colours that reflect the light back out. Or bamboo curtains to block the direct sunlight during peak hours.
Cross-ventilation is the way to cool down your home naturally. Open windows/doors that are opposite each, early morning or later in the evening to create a steady breeze that pushes hot air out and brings fresh air in ie create air pathways or thruways.
Fans alone don’t lower the temperature but can create a cooling effect by evaporating sweat from your skin. Place a bowl of ice or a damp cloth in front of a fan to create a chilled breeze.
Swap out the heavy materials in your home, like velvet or polyester for cotton, linen, or bamboo fabrics. These materials are breathable and regulate body temperature. Use light-coloured sheets and pillowcases that reflect heat instead of absorbing it.
Electronics and appliances generate heat, which can make your home feel warmer. Switch off lights when not in use. Use LED bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs that produce heat.
Plants like aloe vera, snake plant, and peace lily can naturally cool the air by increasing humidity and releasing moisture.
A simple trick to cool down a room is hanging a damp sheet in front of an open window. As the breeze blows through the wet fabric, it creates an air-cooling effect. This is a natural way to bring the temperature down without using any energy. A traditional method of keeping homes cool was to water around them, like the gardens, verandah or balcony in the evenings.
If your home absorbs too much heat, use reflective roof coatings or white paint to beam the sunlight away instead of absorbing it. Alternatively, terrace gardens cool down your home naturally.
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