Want to avoid roasting in the summer heat? Follow this expert’s top tips.

courtesy of CW Ibiza

Christian Wolf, the CEO of CW Ibiza, shares his top tips for keeping your home cool during a heatwave.

Go Just A Few Degrees Higher

Adjusting your thermostat settings by just a few degrees can optimize your air conditioning usage and minimize energy costs.

Setting the thermostat to a range between 24-27°C/75-80 F can significantly reduce the running cost of your appliance. Even a modest increase of just 1°C/2F in warm weather can result in approximately a 10% decrease in energy consumption.

This simple adjustment not only helps you save on utility bills but also reduces your home’s carbon footprint.

Strategically Place Houseplants

Houseplants not only add aesthetic appeal to your home but can also contribute to natural cooling. Strategically placing house plants near windows or in rooms where sunlight is abundant can help mitigate the heat by shading windows and absorbing some of the solar radiation.

Furthermore, through transpiration, plants release water vapor into the air, which can have a cooling effect similar to that of a misting fan.

Opt for large leafy plants or vines for maximum shade and cooling benefits. Just be sure not to overcrowd your space, as adequate airflow is crucial for effective natural cooling with houseplants.

Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows

Air leaks around doors and windows are a common source of energy loss and can significantly impact your home’s ability to stay cool in summer. Weatherstripping is a cost-effective solution to seal these gaps and prevent cool air from escaping while keeping hot air out.

Weatherstripping creates a tight seal between movable building components, such as doors and windows, and their frames, reducing drafts and improving energy efficiency.

Eliminating air leaks can help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reduce the workload on your cooling system, and ultimately lower your energy bills.

Harness the Power Of Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a simple yet effective tool for keeping your home cool during the sweltering summer months. Circulating air throughout the room creates a breeze that helps lower perceived temperatures, allowing you to stay comfortable without cranking up the air conditioning.

“To maximize their cooling effect, make sure your ceiling fans are set to rotate counterclockwise during the summer,” Christian advises. “This pushes air downward, creating a wind-chill effect that can make you feel up to four degrees cooler.”

Additionally, running ceiling fans alongside your AC allows you to raise the thermostat by a few degrees without sacrificing comfort, ultimately saving you money on energy bills.

Use Energy-Efficient Appliances and Lighting

Investing in energy-efficient appliances and lighting not only helps conserve energy and reduce utility costs but also significantly minimizes heat generation indoors.

“Traditional incandescent bulbs and older appliances tend to produce more heat than their energy-efficient counterparts, contributing to increased indoor temperatures, especially in small spaces,” Christian explains.

If you haven’t already, switching to LED or CFL bulbs and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can lower your home’s heat output, resulting in a cooler and more comfortable living environment.

Additionally, energy-efficient appliances typically operate more quietly and have advanced cooling mechanisms, enhancing your comfort during summer.

Close the Curtains

“This is a well-known and traditional hack, but it’s one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to keep your home cool in summer, as it costs nothing and takes no effort!” Christian says. “If you live in a hot area, you should always remember to close your curtains or blinds during peak sunlight hours.”

By closing curtains or blinds, you block out a considerable amount of solar heat, preventing it from warming up your rooms. Opt for light-colored curtains or blinds with reflective backing to further enhance their heat-blocking capabilities.

“I recommend getting into the habit of not opening your curtains when you get up,” Christian advises. “Instead, enjoy the morning sun alongside a cup of tea or coffee in the kitchen to get you started for the day. Once the sun starts to go down, open your curtains and windows for a few hours at night to take advantage of the cooler temperatures.”

Create a Breeze by Strategically Opening Windows

“Cross-ventilation is a powerful technique to cool your home without relying solely on air conditioning,” Christian says. By strategically opening windows on opposite sides of your home, you can create a pathway for fresh air to flow through, pushing out stale, warm air.

This natural airflow helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduces the need for mechanical cooling systems.

Control Your Home’s Temperature Remotely

Efficient management of your home’s temperature can significantly impact both your comfort level and your home’s energy consumption. Start by adjusting your thermostat settings to higher temperatures when you’re away or asleep to reduce unnecessary cooling.

Programmable thermostats offer the convenience of automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule, optimizing energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

“For even greater control and flexibility, consider investing in smart home technologies that allow you to remotely monitor and adjust your home’s temperature settings via smartphone apps or voice commands,” Christian says.

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Reviewed June 2024

About CW Ibiza

CW Real Estate Ibiza offers a curated selection of premium properties in Ibiza tailored to individual needs and desires. With a team of ten experts, we provide first-class service and comprehensive support, finding perfect homes that exceed expectations. Our exceptional online presence and global marketing strategies maximize property exposure for sellers. A multilingual team leads the Ibiza market, achieving high sales from 2013 to 2023.