budget friendly

1.Natural know-how

Hot air will muscle its way in at any opportunity, so air-tighten your home as much as possible. Seal cracks and holes with caulk, install weather-stripping on doors and windows, and check over leaky hotspots such as chimneys and ducts. Limit appliance usage to reduce heat generation inside.

Use energy-efficient bulbs, ditch the oven for the barbecue, and leave the dryer well alone. Adopt a routine of keeping blinds and curtains closed throughout the heat of the day and opening up when the sun drops or a cool change hits. Proper roof insulation is a must, and shading the home’s exterior with trees and plants can also be an effective technique.

2.Easy breezy

Monitor the direction of the afternoon breeze in relation to your home so you can harness this free and effective cooling agent. “Opening doors and windows in opposite or adjacent parts of the home will allow the air to effectively move through,” advises Tanya Hancock, principal architect at Hancock Architects. Ideally, window placement allows cool air in down low and hot air to escape up high. Louvres are the clear front-runners for maximum airflow. “The adjustable blades also allow you to control the amount of breeze you require,” explains Tanya. “Good roof and attic ventilation will also assist in lowering indoor temperatures.”