Summer's fiery breath is upon us, and let's be honest, battling the heat can be a real struggle. Are you concerned about excessive heat that can cause dehydration, rashes, and even heat strokes?

Turning up the AC might seem like the only option, but before you blast your wallet and the planet with sky-high energy bills, let's explore some ecologically cooler solutions!

Some professional architects have worked their hands on designing eco-friendly cooling systems.

Monish Siripurapu, an architect based in Delhi, has designed an affordable natural air cooler called ‘CoolAnt’ (Source: thebetterindia.com). 

The design, inspired by the efficient cooling techniques of beehives, uses terracotta cones, absorbing heat from the surroundings and using evaporative cooling to release a gentle, refreshing breeze into living spaces.

You can take inspiration from such architects or delve into these practical and eco-friendly hacks to keep your living space a haven from the scorching summer sun.

1. Embrace the Shade:

The key is to block those scorching rays before they even reach your windows. Here are some ways to tackle it.

• Blinds and Curtains: Blackout blinds are great for bedrooms, but for daytime living areas, opt for light-colored curtains or blinds that reflect sunlight. Materials like linen or bamboo are one step ahead as they're breathable and add a touch of summer chic!
• Plant Power: Planting trees around your dwelling can provide shade and help cool down your surroundings. Strategically plant trees or climbing vines around your windows. Vertical gardens and hanging vases are space-saving solutions that can bring the cooling power of plants indoors. Vertical gardens come in various forms, from wall-mounted pockets to freestanding structures adding a touch of living art to your rooms. With these, you can grow herbs, small flowering plants, or certain vegetables.
• Awning Away the Heat: Installing awnings over windows is a fantastic way to create a shady barrier. They also help reduce UV rays and protect furniture from fading. They come in various materials and styles, so you can find one that complements your home's aesthetics.

2. Create Airy Magic

Now that you've blocked the heat from entering, let's get that cool air circulating!

• Cross Ventilation is Your Ally: This means opening windows on opposite sides of your house to create a natural breeze. Think of it as a giant air freshener powered by Mother Nature! In the evenings, when the outside air is cooler, open those windows wide and let the fresh air wash away the day's heat.
• Fantastic Solutions: Believe it or not, you can create an effective cooling system with just three ingredients: a fan, a big metal bowl, and some ice. Fill a large metal bowl with ice and position it directly in front of your fan. As the fan blows air over the ice, the coolness gets sucked up and circulated around the room.
• Window Fan Wizardry: If you have a dominant wind direction, strategically place a window fan in the upwind window to pull in cool air and push out hot air. This creates a delightful cross-breeze and keeps your energy use low.

3. Cool It Down from the Inside Out:

Here are some everyday practices that can make a big difference in your living space’s temperature:

• Kitchen Capers: The oven and stove are heat generators. Opt for grilling outdoors if possible. Consider cooking early in the morning or late in the evening when the outside temperature is cooler. If you know a heat wave is coming, prepare meals in advance. Keep pots covered while cooking to contain heat and cook more efficiently.
• Lighten Up: Lighting, especially incandescent bulbs, emit heat. Switch to LED bulbs – they're energy-efficient and cooler too! Unplug electronics when not in use – they can silently add to the background heat.
• Cotton is King: Ditch those synthetic fabrics for comfy cotton clothes that allow your skin to breathe.
• Hang wet sheets: This practice is a bit old but very effective. Hanging a wet sheet in front of an open window can cool down a room as the water evaporates from the sheet, cooling the incoming air. It’s a simple low-cost way to beat the heat. Also, it adds a nostalgic charm to your interior.
• Incorporating calming visuals: Hanging pictures of cool places like lakes or snow peaks can trigger mental imagery when you look at them. You might imagine yourself being in that place, this mental association might evoke a sense of coolness. By focusing on the beauty of a serene landscape, you might temporarily take your mind off the heat and create a sense of relaxation. Though this strategy is likely subjective, some people might find it effective.

4. Minor modifications:

• Insulate your home: Proper insulation is a game-changer when it comes to maintaining a comfortable temperature. It acts as a barrier, reducing the amount of heat entering your house in the summer and escaping in the winter. Insulation can be added to various areas of your home, including the attic, walls, and floors. While the upfront cost may seem high, the savings on your energy bills over time make this a worthwhile investment. Plus, you’re reducing your carbon footprint by using less energy! Some of the cost-effective ways to insulate your house are: weatherstripping, covering the floor, caulking your vents, and making a door snake (sealing off the crack beneath the door).
• Use light-coloured paint: The colour of your home can significantly impact how much heat it absorbs. Dark colours tend to absorb heat, while light colours reflect it. Consider painting your roof and exterior walls a light shade to keep your place cooler. This simple change can make a big difference in your home’s temperature and give a fresh, new look. It’s an eco-friendly hack that combines style and sustainability! By implementing these simple hacks, you can create a cool and comfortable haven for yourself and your family, all while reducing your carbon footprint and saving money on your energy bills. 

Remember, small changes can have a big impact. Each home is unique, so what works best may depend on your specific situation. So, go forth, embrace the cool side of summer, and be an eco-warrior in your own house!

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