By Eion Towle
In a tropical country where it is usually hot and humid, it’s common to look for inexpensive ways to cool down our rooms. By impulse, we would purchase cooling appliances to fight the heat. This can cost a pretty penny and will get worse with a bigger electricity bill at the end of the month. So if you’re curious about how to keep your room cool, consider these actions and habits that you can practise.
Sleep low to remain cool
A common complaint during hot days is the air conditioning is not working as well as it should. However, there is a common misconception about how air interacts with temperature. According to research by University of South Carolina Beaufort, hot air rises because it is less dense compared to the surrounding air, and it is the opposite for cold air due to it being much heavier. With this understanding, it is better to keep yourself grounded or be as close to the floor as possible because it can help to keep you cool.
Don’t use large appliances during the day
Large appliances that emit high levels of heat into the surroundings are usually responsible for raising the temperature of the room or area. They could include things like your stove or oven which expel heat the moment they are being used. Coupled with poor ventilation, the increased temperature will create an atmosphere which is stuffy and uncomfortable for everyone. To prevent your house from being stuffy, make sure that your windows are open when cooking or simply cook outside. This will substantially reduce the heat trapped in your house and also encourages you to enjoy the outdoors.
Close off unused doors
Room with doors left ajar, even slightly, will allow cool air to escape and raise the overall temperature of the house. By ensuring that the doors to rooms not in use are closed, you save yourself from having to endure a higher internal temperature. This is also a good step to take because psychologically, most people would ensure that appliances or lights are switched off before closing the door, thus preventing electrical wastage.
