Natural cooling is better for the environment and your health. But how do you keep the heat out without using the air conditioning? You will be surprised how well the following tricks do the work for you!
Screens and awnings
A typical tropical house has a roof with a fairly big covering, which provides shadow around the house and prevents the sun from shining directly on the windows. If your house wasn’t build with the climate in mind you could still achieve similar results with reflective screens or sunshades. This isn’t inexpensive, but it’s worth the investment, even if it’s just one screen on the south-facing window.
Foil
Reflective foil is convenient for use on windows facing the veranda. The foil is attached to the inside of the window. The result is a room temperature drop of approximately 5 to 7 degrees Celsius. The newest types of foils allow you to retain the view.
Wet cloths
In case of extremity, when the indoor temperature is extremely high: hang wet cloths on the outside of all windows facing south and west from 10 AM and rewet the cloths on a frequent basis during the day. By doing this, the incoming air will cool down.
Air
Open as many windows and inner doors as possible during the night and early morning. For a goodnight’s rest, make sure the bedroom is cool.
Grates
Perpetual ventilation is ideal. For instance, through aluminum window grates, a pipe to the roof, or a silent roof fan. This way, you’ll have fresh air even if all doors, windows and curtains are shut.
Curtains
Keep the curtains and / or lace curtains shut during the day. Especially in the bedroom. Indoor sunshades are less efficient, but also helpful.
Fans
Place a tub filled with cold water and ice cubes in front of the fan (table-top or floor standing model). This will result in better cooling.
Roofs
By insulating a flat roof and subsequently covering it with small white stones, less heat will enter the house.
Trees and Shrubs
Broad-leaved trees and tall, deciduous shrubs near the south-facing windows and the bedroom, block the sun.
Humidifiers
In rooms with very dry air, a humidifier can provide a temperature drop of 2 to 3 degrees.
Screens and awnings
A typical tropical house has a roof with a fairly big covering, which provides shadow around the house and prevents the sun from shining directly on the windows. If your house wasn’t build with the climate in mind you could still achieve similar results with reflective screens or sunshades. This isn’t inexpensive, but it’s worth the investment, even if it’s just one screen on the south-facing window.
Foil
Reflective foil is convenient for use on windows facing the veranda. The foil is attached to the inside of the window. The result is a room temperature drop of approximately 5 to 7 degrees Celsius. The newest types of foils allow you to retain the view.
Wet cloths
In case of extremity, when the indoor temperature is extremely high: hang wet cloths on the outside of all windows facing south and west from 10 AM and rewet the cloths on a frequent basis during the day. By doing this, the incoming air will cool down.
Air
Open as many windows and inner doors as possible during the night and early morning. For a goodnight’s rest, make sure the bedroom is cool.
Grates
Perpetual ventilation is ideal. For instance, through aluminum window grates, a pipe to the roof, or a silent roof fan. This way, you’ll have fresh air even if all doors, windows and curtains are shut.
Curtains
Keep the curtains and / or lace curtains shut during the day. Especially in the bedroom. Indoor sunshades are less efficient, but also helpful.
Fans
Place a tub filled with cold water and ice cubes in front of the fan (table-top or floor standing model). This will result in better cooling.
Roofs
By insulating a flat roof and subsequently covering it with small white stones, less heat will enter the house.
Trees and Shrubs
Broad-leaved trees and tall, deciduous shrubs near the south-facing windows and the bedroom, block the sun.
Humidifiers
In rooms with very dry air, a humidifier can provide a temperature drop of 2 to 3 degrees.