By choosing to change over to energy-smart living strategies, you can keep your home cool whilst boosting your savings.
With the arrival of summer comes intense heat that leaves us yearning for a cool and comfortable living environment. What’s refreshing is that beating the summer heat doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet with soaring energy bills.
Our latest blog article explores various effective and lesser-known energy-smart eco-friendly methods to show you exactly what you need to do.
Maximising natural ventilation is one of the simplest ways to cool down your home naturally. Deliberately opening windows to create cross-ventilation lets fresh air circulate and lowers the temperature without relying on technology. This reduces the need for energy-consuming air conditioning systems, saving your utility bills.
Top Tip: During hours of the day that are predominantly cooler, for example, early mornings and late evenings, open windows on opposite sides of your home. This creates a refreshing breeze that escapes hot air while bringing in cooler air from outside.
By using Solar reflective glass (a type of energy-efficient glass), you can be energy efficient whilst protecting the interior from UV rays. This type of glass reflects solar radiation while allowing natural light to come through. It’s especially useful for sustainable building design as it helps to reduce the amount of energy needed for cooling. UV radiation can also fade furniture, carpets, and other interior furnishings over time, meaning this method will help you lower the chances of needing to replace anything. It can also help trap heat in the winter, allowing a reverse effect and making the space warmer.
Top tip: Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate on the glass surface, reducing its ability to reflect solar radiation and potentially decreasing its energy-saving potential. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help maintain the glass’s effect.
Putting funds into energy-efficient window covers can make a big difference in ensuring a relaxing interior. You can block sunlight and reduce overheating by placing blinds, shutters, or drapes made of reflecting or light-coloured materials. These may serve as a shield from the sun’s rays, eliminating the need for further cooling techniques. If not, consider using thermal curtains or shades, which can block heat transfer from the exterior while maintaining cold air inside throughout the summer.
Top Tip: Ensure they’re properly sized and installed to increase energy-saving benefits. For example, hanging curtains or blinds as close to the window as possible can help to minimise the heat.
While air conditioning provides much-needed relief during hot summer days, it can contribute to high energy consumption if not used efficiently. Proper insulation and sealing off air leaks in your home are among the most successful ways to stop cold air from escaping and warm air from coming through. Apply insulation materials such as foam, weatherstripping, and caulking to create a barrier against external heat.
Top Tip: Use programmable thermostats to ensure your cooling system operates efficiently. Take advantage of energy-saving modes and regularly maintain your air conditioning system by cleaning or replacing filters. This ensures its best performance and prevents energy waste.
Trying to shade your home sounds like an obvious way to block direct sunlight and reduce heat gain, but strategically planting deciduous trees provides a natural shade source that protects against summer heat while allowing sunlight to warm your home during colder months when the trees shed their leaves.
By installing awnings or pergolas over your windows and outdoor spaces, you can substantially diminish the amount of sunlight that enters your home. This essentially reduces the demand for excessive cooling measures.
Top Tip: Opt for lighter-coloured materials for shading structures, as they further enhance their effectiveness in reflecting sunlight. Additionally, consider applying reflective roof coatings and heat-rejecting window films to reduce heat absorption by your home’s exterior surfaces.
Protecting the environment and minimising potential hazards around your home is often oversight, and it’s key not to overlook the storage of substances such as heating oil. Implementing proper storage and handling practices for fuel is dangerous when not done properly and is used to prevent leaks or spills that could lead to environmental contamination. Homeowners can benefit from specialised systems designed to enhance both safety and effectiveness.
These systems provide an additional layer of protection, acting as a barrier against potential leaks or spills that could harm the environment. Modern storage systems are often equipped with advanced monitoring features, allowing homeowners to track their fuel levels easily. This ensures well-organised consumption and helps prevent unexpected shortages.
Top Tip: Many oil tanks are equipped with monitoring systems that enable homeowners to keep track of oil levels, promoting efficient consumption and preventing unexpected fuel shortages. By adjusting fuel usage, homeowners can advocate for energy-smart living whilst putting away more savings than before.
You don’t have to strain your budget to beat the heat. By adopting energy-smart living practices, you can enjoy long-term glazing solutions that allow you to thrive in hot weather for years. Implementing these strategies creates comfortable living spaces while reducing energy consumption and minimising environmental impact. Embracing these approaches will continue to empower others to lead sustainable and cost-effective lifestyles in times to come.
For nearly 40 years, Thames Valley Windows have been transforming Berkshire, Surrey and Oxford homes with energy-smart quality windows and doors. We use Low-e-glazing to offer controlled temperature all year round and ensure your living space benefits from natural light, and it is commonly used in full-glass extensions such as Wintergardens, conservatories, and orangeries.
Contact our designers today to discuss the best glazing solutions to keep your home cool this summer.
Guest Post: Lily Meyers
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