heat reduction for houses in Kerala

Stay Cool: Top Solutions for Heat Reduction in Kerala Homes

Normally summer is the best season for all outdoor activities like business, vacation, and even vacation despite the heat. But the extreme heat and humidity causing in our state now is beyond our limits to tolerate. We can’t even go out in the daytime. Even if we are staying inside our house, we are not in a position to withstand. We are forced to depend on air conditioners blindly. But the energy costs raised by them are alarming. Hence, in this blog, we are discussing some natural tips for heat reduction for houses in Kerala.
 

Tips To Reduce Heat in Houses in Kerala

  • Cool roofs are designed to lower indoor temperatures by reflecting sunlight and heat, effectively reducing the need for air conditioning during summer. They can be constructed using materials like reflective tiles, shingles, or specialized paint, or by applying a reflective sheet covering. Cool roofs are adaptable and suitable for installation on different building types. They are especially advantageous for spaces lacking air conditioning, like garages, ensuring a cooler indoor climate when temperatures rise.
 
  • The heat produced by household appliances is often underestimated. Besides turning them off when not needed, it’s advisable to minimize their use where possible. Additionally, plan chores to use devices during cooler evening hours. This approach not only helps keep your home cooler in summer but also reduces electricity expenses.
 
  • To maintain a comfortable temperature indoors during hot weather, it’s advisable to limit the amount of sunlight entering your home. Closing blinds, particularly on west and north-facing windows, helps reduce heat gain, which means your air conditioning won’t have to work as hard. For even better results, consider using blackout curtains that effectively block out heat and keep your home cool throughout the summer months.
 
  • To optimize the cooling efficiency of your air conditioning system, start by closing doors to rooms that are not in use. This practice helps contain the cool air within the areas you want to keep comfortable, preventing unnecessary cooling of unused spaces. Additionally, make sure to seal any gaps or openings around windows and doors where cool air might escape. By addressing these leaks, you’ll enhance the effectiveness of your cooling efforts and reduce the workload on your air conditioner. Use weather stripping or draught excluders to seal off these gaps effectively. These simple steps can significantly improve the efficiency of your cooling system and keep your home more comfortable while saving energy.
 
  • Cooking indoors can lead to increased heat within your home, especially during warm weather, making it uncomfortable to stand in the kitchen. To avoid this, consider preparing meals that don’t require laborious cooking, like salads or sandwiches. If you must cook, try using an outdoor cookware. This not only helps keep your home cooler but also allows you to enjoy cooking outdoors.
 
  • Upgrade traditional incandescent bulbs to LEDs. Unlike incandescent lights that waste about 90% of their energy as heat, LED bulbs are much more efficient, producing less heat and consuming less electricity overall.
 
  • Approximately 76% of sunlight hitting windows infiltrates homes as heat. Reflective window films can effectively block up to 78% of solar heat and almost all harmful UV rays (99%). Excessive sunlight not only warms the house but also poses risks to health and furnishings due to UV exposure. Therefore, these window films are indispensable during summer, providing essential protection for both skin and furniture.
 
  • Canopies serve as a great solution when trees aren’t an option. They are especially useful if you have limited space or prefer not to wait for trees to grow. Canopies are typically installed above windows to shield your home from sunlight, reducing the amount of heat absorbed indoors. This helps keep your home comfortably cool during the hot summer months. According to the US Department of Energy, window canopies can significantly decrease solar heat gain by 65-77%.
 
  • Choosing lighter fabrics, especially in brighter shades like white, can significantly impact your home’s temperature. Lighter fabrics reflect more light and heat, which helps to keep your house cooler during the summer months. Opt for lightweight materials for your sheets as they allow for better airflow compared to heavier fabrics. Regularly changing your sheets not only freshens up your living space but also contributes to maintaining a comfortable environment in your home. This simple adjustment can be a worthwhile investment for improving your home’s comfort.
 
  • When your air conditioner starts to lose efficiency, it could signal the need to replace its air filters. A dirty or blocked filter forces the AC system to work harder, affecting both indoor air quality and energy costs. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent allergies, maintain efficient cooling, and keep electricity bills in check. Ideally, clean your AC filters every two weeks and replace them every four months to ensure optimal performance and air quality indoors.
 
  • Keep the windows open strategically to allow cross ventilation. The best time to do this is from 5 am to 8 am and 8 pm to 10 pm. During these times, the air is pleasant and with proper ventilation, the heat trapped within your house can escape. The temperature drops drastically at night in the summer so keep the windows open to make the most of the cool breeze. Install insect nets on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes and bugs away.
 
  • Plants such as areca palms, aloe vera, and ferns are not only visually appealing indoors but also have the remarkable ability to purify indoor air by absorbing toxins. By strategically placing shady trees and plants on the eastern and western sides of a house, one can effectively block out direct sunlight, helping to keep indoor spaces cooler. Another tactic is to grow creepers and vines on balcony grills and indoor screens or dividers, which can contribute to maintaining a cooler indoor environment. These green additions not only enhance aesthetics but also serve a practical purpose in promoting a comfortable indoor climate.
 
  • Exhaust fans are useful for cooling rooms that lack windows. They effectively expel hot indoor air, allowing fresh outdoor air to enter. This technique is most effective when the indoor temperature exceeds that of the outside. Installing exhaust fans throughout your home can significantly improve ventilation and comfort and heat reduction for houses in Kerala.

GreenToday Architects: Pioneers in Green Building Construction for Sustainable Living in Kerala

For expert advice on combatting intense summer heat reduction for houses in Kerala, reach out to GreenToday Architects. We are distinguished for our prowess in architecture and construction, having delivered remarkable projects including residential villas, flats, business apartments, offices, commercial complexes, malls, government buildings, educational institutions, hotels, and resorts. GreenToday Architects prioritize quality control, efficient project management, and ethical standards to ensure outstanding outcomes. We manage every construction detail meticulously from soil analysis to final architectural design and safety integration. Clients benefit from a one-year warranty and ongoing support, fostering enduring satisfaction and relationships.

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