Cool Your Home Without Breaking the Bank: Expert Tips
Dubrovnik-Neretva County is under a red alert, with temperatures set to exceed 35 degrees. We bring you proven methods to cool your space without hefty electricity bills.
Dubrovnik-Neretva County is under a red alert, with temperatures set to exceed 35 degrees. We bring you proven methods to cool your space without hefty electricity bills.
In the coming days, the Dubrovnik-Neretva County area will be affected by a prolonged heatwave, and a red alert has been issued for the entire region due to extremely high air temperatures. Under such circumstances, the main challenge becomes maintaining a comfortable indoor climate, especially in the afternoon hours when walls and roofs heat up further. As reported by JUGInfo portal, experts emphasize that indoor temperatures can be reduced by several degrees with simple behavioral changes, without the need for significant financial outlay.
The most important step is to prevent heat from entering your space. During the day, especially between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., it is recommended to keep windows closed and to lower blinds or shutters on the sunny side of the building. If possible, it is best to open windows only late in the evening or early in the morning when the outdoor temperature drops below the indoor one. At that time, creating a cross-breeze can naturally cool the space.
Many people set their air conditioners to 18 or 20 degrees during extreme heat, but experts warn that this is unnecessary. The ideal indoor temperature is between 25 and 27 degrees, which ensures comfortable living, reduced electricity consumption, and less temperature shock when going outside. Regularly cleaning the air conditioner filters is crucial for its efficiency and lower energy use.
If you don't have an air conditioner, a fan can help, especially in the evening. You can enhance its effect by placing a bowl of cold water or ice in front of the fan, which partially cools the air it blows out. This simple method can significantly improve the feeling of freshness in the room.
The oven, clothes dryer, and even computers and televisions generate additional heat. It is recommended to limit the use of these appliances to a minimum during the hottest part of the day. If possible, cooking should be done in the early morning or evening hours to avoid further heating the space.
Homes with awnings, pergolas, or trees in front of windows heat up significantly less. Sun protection on the outside is much more effective than interior curtains. Plants on balconies and terraces can also help, as they cool the surrounding air through water evaporation.
Doctors advise regular fluid intake, light meals, and avoiding physical activities during the hottest part of the day. A quick lukewarm shower or applying a cold compress to the neck and wrists can help your body cope better with high temperatures. Special attention should be given to the elderly, chronic patients, and young children, who are most susceptible to heat stress.
Meteorologists predict that very high temperatures will persist for several days, so it is advisable to start cooling your home early in the morning, before the sun begins to heat the walls and roofs. This way, you can reduce the need for constant air conditioning, making indoor stays during extreme heat more bearable, as reported by JUGInfo.
