As Australians faces scorching temperatures across four states this weekend, we take a look at how to keep your home cool - without switching on the air-con.
It will be tempting to switch on the air-conditioning this weekend, if you have one installed in your home, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting temperatures to rise well into the thirties across most of South Australia, the ACT, Victoria, and New South Wales this weekend.
But with warnings of power outages, especially in South Australia, how can we keep our homes cool without turning to power-hungry air-conditioning?
Keep the blinds closed
Windows heat up, especially those facing north and west. If you can create a barrier between the hot glass and your interiors you will prevent heat from entering your home.
Keep doors and windows closed
Keep the hot air out. Although opening doors and windows at night can allow cool air in - if it actually cools down outside.
Fans use less energy than air-conditioning
Turn on your fan. Although they won't cool down the whole room, while you're in front of it, you will be cooler.
Use cotton sheets
Cotton is cooler than synthetics, flannelette, or wool. I'm told buckwheat pillow are the ultimate in breathability. They don't hold body heat, therefore remain cool.
Sip cool drinks
Keep your body temperature down with cool drinks. Apply a damp cloth behind your neck and to your wrists.
Don't use incandescent lightbulbs
Incandescent light bulbs waste about 90% of their energy emitting heat. CFLs or compact fluorescent lamps don't give off so much heat.
Don't use your oven
On a hot day, use your barbecue if fire restrictions allow. Turning on the oven will turn your kitchen into a furnace.
Plant trees near your home
Nothing is cooler than the shade of a lovely green tree. Even looking at green can cool you down. Plant trees to shade your home, vines to cover your walls, and flowers to make you happy.
Awnings and outdoor shutters
Prevent the sun from beating directly down onto your windows by adding awnings and shutters to the outside of your home. This protection will stop your house heating up so much in the first place.
Keep cool readers.
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