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Sustainable, cost-effective tips to keep cool at home during the heatwave
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As the heatwave hits, Pinergy, the energy transition company, share top tips for relief from the heat that will keep our homes cooler and more energy efficient.
“When a heatwave hits, our first instinct is to find immediate relief, but this can often lead to a spike in energy consumption,” says David Slattery, Head of Communications at Pinergy. “Simple changes, like closing the curtains, can make a huge difference. Long-term, we are seeing more homeowners investing in solar panels and better insulation. These are no longer just winter considerations; they are becoming essential for managing our home’s efficiency during increasingly warmer summers.”
These instant and long term tips set out some of the simple actions you can take during the heatwave to avoid unnecessary energy over-consumption in your home.
Low-cost instant solutions
Block out the sun: A simple, yet effective trick is closing curtains and blinds during peak sunshine hours to block out the heat. Additionally, draft excluders at the bottom of doors, typically used in winter, can prevent hot air from entering your home.
Turn down the thermostat: Turning the thermostat for your living areas down can contribute to a slightly cooler home. Every degree you lower your thermostat by will make a big difference to your heating bills.
Window timing is everything: When considering how to keep your home cool, clever timing when opening windows is key. Leaving windows open overnight lets cool air into rooms. If the windows are open during the day, try to get a cross breeze or some airflow through the home.
Heat rises, so stay low: If you live in a home with multiple floors, rooms on the upper floors are much more likely to feel the effects of the heat than those on the lower floors. Remember, heat rises!
Fire up the BBQ: Barbecues aren’t just a good way to cook food in the summer; they are also an energy-efficient way of doing so. The potential of residual heat from the oven or other cooking appliances is reduced, meaning your home is cooler for longer.
Time your tasks: Run heat-producing appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and other energy intensive appliances during the coldest part of the day. Take advantage of the good drying weather and air-dry clothes rather than machine dry.
Unplug ‘phantom’ power draws: Appliances left on standby, like your TV, are often still consuming energy and can contribute to raising the temperature in your home ever so slightly. Consider unplugging appliances to prevent unnecessary heat build-up.
The 3-minute shower: A short, cool shower is a quick and energy-efficient way to cool off. Having a cool shower just before going to bed can help to lower the body’s temperature and improve sleep in warm and uncomfortable conditions.
Invest in personal cooling: An electronic fan is a great way to keep cool in hot conditions. Be sure to consider an energy efficient model as it may be used over long periods of time. High humidity can make the heat feel more intense. A dehumidifier is excellent for tackling humid summer heat, making the air feel much more tolerable.
Long term solutions
Switch to LED Lighting: An excellent rule of thumb all year round but LED bulbs use way less energy than traditional bulbs and emit less heat.
Create natural shade: Planting trees and other garden plants strategically around the home can create shade points both inside and outside the home.
Invest in insulation: Good insulation doesn’t just keep your home warm in winter, it is crucial for reducing heat gain in summer.
Make the sun work for you: Installing solar panels allows you to harness the sunshine to reduce your energy costs, which can offset the cost of running additional appliances such as fans or humidifiers.
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