Now that we are in the middle of summer, you may well be struggling with the heat in your home. Of course, air conditioning is an obvious solution, but it can also be an expensive one. So, to help you out, this article is going to talk you through a few possible solutions which can help you out when it comes to keeping cool and carrying on during the summer months.

Close Your Blinds

Though it may seem like an extremely obvious solution, a huge percentage of unwanted heat streams in through your windows. Using your shades and curtains properly is a simple and cheap way of keeping temperatures down. Otherwise, your home can easily turn into a greenhouse with you roasting in the middle of it! Blackout blinds are most effective as these block sunlight entirely. If you want to go a little more expensive ready for saving money in the future, it may be worth installing aluminium windows or similar. These have been shown to be highly energy efficient which is a major concern of many homeowners.

Swap Your Sheets

Not only does seasonally swapping your sheets make it easier to sleep at night, it also helps to freshen up the look of your home. Cotton is a good choice as it is breathable and it helps you stay cooler for longer. You could also swap your duvet for a lighter option that is more suited to this time of the year. Another clever little hack which you could try is to fill a water bottle and put it in the freezer before moving it to the foot of your bed.

Embrace the BBQ Season

Using your oven or stove during the summer months is bound to make your home warmer. The last thing that you want to do is cook for long periods of time. If you have not yet embraced the barbecue weather, now may well be the time to do so. Outdoor kitchens are becoming steadily more advanced, so maybe now is the season to invest in setting up one of your own.

Use Ceiling Fans The Right Way

If you have ceiling fans, you need to make sure that you are using them correctly. The direction that the air is flowing in is important. During the summer, it should be blowing in an anticlockwise direction which forces the air down and makes you feel cooler. During winter, a clockwise blowing fan will help to circulate around the room in the best way possible.

Plant Shade

Though it is a long term solution and one that you are unlikely to be able to utilise this season, it is worthwhile planting trees strategically to protect your home from harsh sunlight. There are plenty of sun-loving, shade-providing plants and trees which will do the job well.

So, there you have just a few of the ways that you can stay nice and cool in your home during the long summer months.