These Home Renovations Will Make Your Home More Resilient to the Heat
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s hot in there. It almost doesn’t matter where you live – even in the damn Arctic Circle a couple of years ago temperatures were in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit , and this summer the heat has made life unbearable in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia . And we know that heatwaves will occur more frequently, leading to even higher temperatures. While we’ve all learned a few lessons about how to survive extreme heat , we’re at a stage where avoiding climate change is probably no longer an option – it’s all about preparation and planning now. If you are currently suffering in your home due to the heat, it will probably only get worse in the future.
The (slightly) good news is that there are some steps you can take today that will at least mitigate the effects of heat on your home tomorrow. Of course, there is no magic bullet that will allow you to completely ignore the heat wave, but there are a few home repairs that can make your home more resilient to the heat wave.
Heat pumps
It may seem obvious, but if you’re still rocking window air conditioners (or not using air conditioning at all), it might be time to bite the bullet and install some sort of climate control system in your home. It is difficult to install a central air conditioning system in an existing home, but ductless mini split systems are very efficient and effective at cooling your home. Eliminating window blocks will also help seal your home, making it easier to cool and keep it cool. Installing any type of air conditioner is expensive, but now is the time to start planning for it.
Window
If your windows are old (or cheap), replacing them with new energy efficient windows is a must. Not only do new windows provide a good, airtight seal that will keep cool air in and hot air out, but glass that blocks heat transfer and solar radiation will prevent heat from entering your home in the first place, increasing your cooling bills. lower and your AC is more efficient. Glass with a low-e coating and argon insulation can reduce the amount of British thermal units (Btu) coming through your windows while still letting in a lot of sunlight. If replacing windows is too expensive, you can try applying UV blocking film. to your existing windows. This will not be as efficient, but will slightly reduce heat transfer.
channel boosters
If you already have an air conditioning system in your home but it is struggling to cope with heat waves, you may need to consider replacing it or upgrading the condensing unit. But maybe not – you just need to consider installing duct fans . They are simply fans that fit into your existing ductwork, adding a bit of power to your air conditioner to bring cool air to every part of your home. If you have rooms that never seem to cool down, a duct booster can be the extra power your system needs to achieve them. They’re cheap and relatively easy to install, so they’re a great option if you want to protect your home from the heat without breaking your budget.
Hue
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to cool your home is by landscaping. Shrubs and trees positioned to block the sun’s rays can prevent your home from absorbing heat in the first place. Make sure you give your plants some room to breathe – meaning don’t plant them right in front of your house – and be patient, as your shade trees and shrubs will take some time to mature and bring you all their benefits. .
Ventilation
Airflow through your home is essential to keep it cool. Old houses were built with airflow in mind – hot air had to rise to the attic, where a vent allowed it to flow out of the house. This action will then draw cooler air up from the basement or underground. It wasn’t exactly an air conditioner, but that’s how people survived the heat in the past. Modern homes are much more tightly sealed, and if you have air conditioning, you may never have thought about ventilating your home. But by adding an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) or fresh air exchange system to your home, you can get that classic airflow without sacrificing your home’s airtightness and climate control features. Supplying (and filtering) fresh air from outside not only improves the air quality in your home, it also promotes even temperature distribution, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature inside, even when it’s hot as hell.
Roof coverings
If your home has a dark-colored roof, it is essentially a heat sink that absorbs the sun’s rays and raises your home’s internal temperature. Covering your roof with reflective material can substantially reduce the heat your roof absorbs, making the upper floors of your home cooler, which in turn cools the lower floors as that heat is in turn dissipated. Roof coatings are easy and cheap to apply and also help your roof last longer, saving you money.
improve insulation
Closing air gaps in your home and adding or improving wall and attic insulation can go a long way in protecting your home from the heat. Closing the air gaps will keep cooler air inside when your air conditioner is running, and insulation (or better insulation) will help the building regulate temperature more efficiently. In many cases, you can add or improve thermal insulation without opening the walls—check with an insulation contractor to determine the best option for your home.