Top strategies for keeping your student accommodation comfortable during hot weather
In the sweltering heat of summer, air conditioning can be a luxury that many can't afford. However, there are several practical and cost-effective methods to keep your apartment cool without breaking the bank. Here's a guide to help you beat the heat.
- Block Sunlight During the Day
Use blackout curtains, reflective blinds, or light-colored curtains to block direct sunlight, especially on south- and west-facing windows. These can reduce indoor heat gain significantly by reflecting solar radiation.
- Optimize Natural Ventilation
Open windows on opposite sides of your apartment in the cooler evening or early morning hours to create cross-ventilation—a natural wind tunnel effect that flushes out warm air and draws in cooler outside air. Opening upper windows, if possible, helps hot air escape since warm air rises.
- Use Fans Strategically
Ceiling fans, stand fans, or portable fans improve air circulation to enhance evaporative cooling on your skin. Position fans near windows at night to pull in cooler air or push out hot air.
- Choose Breathable Fabrics and Cool Bedding
Wear light, breathable clothing made of cotton or linen. Use cooling mats or light-colored, lightweight bedding to stay comfortable at night without extra cooling devices.
- Introduce Indoor Plants
Plants like snake plants, ferns, or rubber trees can cool the air slightly through transpiration, improving indoor air quality and perceived comfort.
- Apply Temporary Window Treatments and Draft Blockers
For renters, use removable window films, static cling tints, tension rods for curtains, or temporary blackout panels without damaging the property. Weatherstripping tape and draft blockers can reduce unwanted warm air entry.
- Other Tips
- Use light-colored rugs to reflect heat off floors instead of absorbing it.
- Keep hydrated and use cool cloths or showers to help lower body temperature when indoors feel hot.
These methods combine to reduce indoor temperature and heat buildup in apartments affordably and sustainably without relying on air conditioning.
- Additional Tips
- Using an extractor hood during cooking helps lead heat out of the apartment.
- A fan can provide air circulation and create a more pleasant room climate. However, it only moves air and does not cool the room in the long term. Turn off the fan when leaving the apartment.
- Darkening windows with curtains, blinds, or makeshift materials helps keep the heat out.
- Caution should be taken when ventilating to avoid slamming doors and potentially angering neighbors.
- Opening the apartment door in cooler buildings can allow the cool air from the hallway to enter the apartment.
- Hanging wet laundry in front of windows can help cool the apartment.
- Making banana ice cream, also known as nice cream, is a healthy and inexpensive way to cool off during summer.
- Insulation is effective in reducing heat during summer, especially in apartments under the roof.
- A doorstop or heavy object can be used to block the door during ventilation.
- Unplugging electrical devices that are not in use reduces unnecessary heat production.
- Leaving doors open in shared apartments can help distribute cool air.
- Window films can be a solution for privacy and sun protection, and they help cool the apartment.
- Freezing a water bottle and taking it with you when you are out can help cool down an overheated apartment. Be careful not to leave it in the freezer for too long.
Stay cool this summer without breaking the bank with these practical tips!
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- Enhance Your Home's Aesthetics for a Comfortable Lifestyle By incorporating breathable fabrics like cotton or linen into your fashion-and-beauty choices and using light-colored, lightweight bedding in your home-and-garden setup, you can create a comfortable living space while staying cool during hot summer nights.
- Bring Nature Indoors for a Fresh and Cool Atmosphere Introducing indoor plants, such as snake plants, ferns, or rubber trees, can not only improve the aesthetic appeal of your home interior but also cool the air slightly through transpiration, making your home-and-garden area feel fresher and cooler during the summer season.
