You wouldn't want to stay in a 51°C temperature outside, it’s like burning, flaming, melting, or any adjective related to that nature describes the current weather condition in Dubai. While some enjoy basking the summer heat, here we are trying to get away, hide from the scorching sun and take shelter in every air-conditioned room we can find.
During the summertime, most of us prefer to stay indoors - in our home, office, shopping malls, restaurants, or in an air-conditioned place to make us cool and comfortable. One of the places where we tend to stay longer is in our house, that’s why it is best to keep our home cool as much as possible.
Whether you’re living in an apartment, villa or townhouse in Dubai, it is essential for you to know some simple tips you can do to make your home summer proof and helps cut down your utility bills.
Here are 10 tips on how to keep your home cool this summer.
Hang curtains and shades
In Dubai, it’s not a good idea to let your windows open during this period, as hot air can go straight into your home. You can use a blackout curtain to repel the sunlight that causes heat or invest in some bamboo blinds to block the outdoor heat and will keep your home cooler.
Insulate your windows
If you’re on a budget, a good insulation can keep the heat out of your home. You can replace your simple windows with double pane glass or at least apply a window tint to your existing window to reflect sunlight. Moreover, if you’re planning to purchase a home in Dubai, one of the things you need to check is the window, identify the type of window used by builders as it may affect your comfort as well as the home’s ventilation especially during summer season.
Unplug unused appliances
As much as possible unplug all unused appliances and devices at home. Chargers, TVs, computers and other home appliances can still draw heat when they are plugged in but not in use. Also, switching off electrical appliances and unplugging it if its unused can also lessen your electric consumption at home.
Avoid heat-producing appliances
It’s not a good idea to grill, bake or roast during this time. Try to minimise the use of such appliances like oven, dishwasher, broiler, and any other heat-producing device at home. Also, if it’s possible to replace conventional incandescent bulbs to LED lights as it produces less heat, less energy consumption, and last longer than the traditional home lighting system.
Keep your air conditioner clean
Cooling consumption typically gets higher during summer, that’s why you need to make sure your ACs are well maintained. Apartments in areas like Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and Dubai Marina are cooled by a centralised production and distribution of cooling energy. It is advisable for landlords and owners to have their cooling system checked once every two months preferably at the beginning and the end of summer.
Keep your home sealed
Use waterproof sealant around your doors and windows to avoid the heat enter your house or for the cold air get out. Waterproofing device can help seal all gaps and preserve the cold inside your house especially in the afternoon when the summer heat is bad.
Go green with home plants
One of the best ways to keep your surroundings cool is to plant more trees and shrubs especially if you live in a villa. Maximise your garden space by having more plants and arrange them properly shading the facade of your home. Villas in Mudon, Emaar south, and Damac hills usually offers landscaped gardens and properly positioned trees to minimise the outdoor heat.
If you live in an apartment, you can also arrange indoor plants can help cool your home. Choose from home plants like aloe vera, sansevieria, bonsais, and cactus to name a few.
White and light
White and light colours at home can create a feeling of aery and wide. For example, use light coloured-blankets, pillowcases, and bed sheets of natural fibres like cotton or linen, these types of fabrics draw moisture off the body especially in a hot weather. Also, lighter colours do not absorb sunlight as compared to a dark and thick type of fabric.
Also read: 10 Ways To Effectively Use Colour In Your Home
Try to be creative
Summer can also a time for you to be creative, do some DIYs, search online about different ideas on how to keep your home cool during summer. Here are some examples.
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Place a bowl of ice in front of fans to make a pleasantly cool air.
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Create your own concoctions of summer refreshments.
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Frozen fruits and ice drops.
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Invite your friends and have an ice cream party.
Cool down your body temperature
There are a lot of ways to keep your home cool but keeping yourself cool and hydrated is one way of beating the summer heat. Take a cold shower, quick dip in the pool, drink your favourite refreshments and hydrate yourself regularly, all can help you beat the summer heat.
You’ll end up enjoying the summer season just by simply following these essential tips. If you want to add some points here or any suggestions, reactions, feel free to comment in the section below.