17 Ways to Keep Your Home Cooler During Hot Days

These are small tips that you can apply immediately to keep your room cool, including insights from ancient Egyptian techniques.

Finding ways to cool your home or bedroom during the peak summer heat, with temperatures reaching 38-39 degrees Celsius (100-102 degrees Fahrenheit), can be a great way to lower the temperature. The cooling methods discussed in this article can help alleviate some of the discomfort from the summer heat.

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Last year, Hanoi experienced peak summer heat with temperatures soaring to 38-39 degrees Celsius. However, running the air conditioner all day can lead to skyrocketing electricity bills that exceed the outdoor heat. So, how can you keep your home cool without having to rely on the air conditioner 24/7?

The simple measures below can help you survive this sweltering summer.

1. Always Close the Curtains

According to scientific research, 30% of unwanted heat comes from windows. Therefore, the simplest measure is to keep the curtains closed, and you should opt for dark-colored curtains to block thermal radiation from entering the room. This simple action can help reduce your electricity bill by 7% and maintain a cooler room temperature. Pay special attention to windows that are made of glass facing west and south.

2. Not Always Good to Keep Doors Closed

Utilize natural breezes in the evening to help circulate air in your room. Thus, it is not always good to keep doors closed; ensure that air can circulate by opening opposite doors. This not only allows for a natural breeze but also increases the oxygen level in the room, reducing humidity and discomfort.

3. A Simple Trick with a Fan

You do not have to turn on the air conditioner to enjoy a cool breeze in the room; instead, you can use a simple trick with ice and a fan. Place ice in a bowl in front of the fan. The cool air rising from the ice will be blown around the room, effectively lowering the temperature. If you’re willing to experiment, you can even create your own ice-blowing fan using a styrofoam box.

4. Change Your Mattress and Bed Linens

Summer is the time to say goodbye to heavy mattresses. However, if you still want a comfortable mattress, selecting the right material is very important. Among all types, s spring mattresses are the best for summer use, followed by mattresses made from natural fiber, which are better than foam and rubber mattresses.

Be sure to change your bed linens regularly to feel more comfortable in the heat. Dust buildup can hinder air circulation.

5. Adjust Ceiling Fans to Rotate Counterclockwise

In summer, set the ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise to create a gentle breeze. When standing under the fan, you will feel a direct cold airflow on your body, concentrating the cool air without dispersing it throughout the room.

6. Cool Your Body Instead of the Room

Instead of focusing on cooling the room, we can focus on cooling our bodies. Simple measures include wearing light, breathable clothing, using a cool cloth on hot areas like the neck and inside of the elbows, and drinking refreshing beverages.

7. Turn on Kitchen and Bathroom Exhaust Fans

This is essential as it helps expel hot air generated from cooking or after showering out of your home.

8. Add More Greenery

Placing more potted plants indoors or designing a trellis of climbing plants on the balcony can significantly help lower indoor temperatures. Green plants also help reduce dust and filter the air, making you feel more comfortable on hot days.

9. Replace Incandescent Bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lights

Incandescent bulbs emit a considerable amount of heat, which is a waste of energy. Therefore, don’t hesitate to replace these bulbs with compact fluorescent lights. This not only helps lower indoor temperatures but also reduces your monthly electricity bill.

10. Long-Term Solutions

If you want to improve the situation in the long run, consider measures such as using thermal films on windows, adding insulation layers beneath metal roofs, and using thermal paint. There are many more strategies you can explore with architects or online.

11. Limit Use of Electrical Appliances

Not only is this an issue of energy conservation, but the heat emitted from electrical devices and household appliances during operation can raise the temperature of your already stuffy home by a few degrees. To effectively implement this, your family should focus on activities in one room rather than spreading out across multiple rooms as usual. Additionally, plan your cooking and cleaning schedules to avoid excessive use of the stove, which can cause unnecessary discomfort.

12. Insulating Your Roof

For townhouses, which typically have only one facade and are closed off on three sides, the heat from the sun primarily enters through the roof. This can be addressed by installing a false ceiling using heat-resistant materials such as gypsum and insulated bubble wrap.

13. Sleeping on a Thin Mattress on the Floor

If the outdoor temperature is excessively hot, try laying out a thin mattress on the floor; you will feel cooler and significantly improve your summer sleep.

14. Placing a Water Bowl in the Room

Another simple tip to lower the room temperature is to place a bowl of water inside. The evaporation of water in high temperatures will significantly reduce the temperature, making the bedroom feel cooler.

15. Choosing Thermal Insulating Curtains

In addition to using fans, you should also incorporate heat-resistant furnishings such as thermal insulating curtains.

Neutral-colored thermal curtains with a white plastic backing can reduce heat by up to 33%. You can choose from sun-blocking fabric curtains or modern Venetian blinds to keep your home cooler.

16. Designing Two Windows in One Room

Typically, we only think that one window per room is sufficient. However, modern house designs are increasingly incorporating two windows in the same room.

This allows natural airflow to circulate throughout the home.

It addresses the hot air within the room and takes advantage of natural light, effectively saving on electricity costs.

17. Choosing Colors and Materials for Furnishings

Color is one of the essential factors in both interior and exterior design. It helps homeowners feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying life in their beloved home.

If your house receives a lot of direct sunlight, opt for cool colors like jade green, beige, mint green, or light blue for your wall paint.

These colors help reduce heat absorption, alleviate fatigue, and promote relaxation.

As for furnishings, prioritize using natural materials. For example: wooden cabinets, wooden sofas, wooden floors, and granite countertops.

• Simple Ways to Cool Down on Hot Days