The temperature is climbing toward the triple digits, and with these numbers come increased health risks. But even as the heat soars, many of you don’t want to crank the AC and come home at the end of the month to an electricity bill that will clean out your bank account. As we age, the risks associated with extreme temperatures multiples, as our bodies lose the ability to sweat as effectively and our circulation decreases. Ensuring the living space of your senior loved ones is cool and comfortable becomes more crucial now than ever. However, if you don’t have AC, opt not to run it, or desire to protect the ozone layer, there are many options to cool your house naturally to beat the heat!
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the nuts and bolts of cooling your home is preventing the heat from building up in the first place. The NREL says that the primary source of heat buildup is sunshine absorbed through windows, walls, and the roof. Secondary sources include heat-generating appliances within the home and air leakage.
The simplest and cheapest method to combat heat buildup is by blocking the sun’s rays with shading. Outside shades are actually more effective than indoor ones. You can choose exterior blinds or awnings for your windows, or screens made of reflective material. Focus on the north and west sides of your house, since the sun rises in the east and hangs out on the west side during the most intense part of the day. Another great option is natural shading from greenery. Growing hedges or a tree can require time but vines can be grown in the course of a summer. For extra protection, consider purchasing solar curtains to hang on the interior of your windows.
To remove built-up heat and create a comfortable living space, focus on the proper ventilation of your home. The key is to open windows when the air outside is cooler than inside your home, and not so humid it feels like you could wear it! Open windows in the evening, and close them up in the late morning before the sun heats up during its daily voyage. When you do open windows, open them on the coolest side of the house, and at least one on the opposite side to force ventilation. If you have a two-story home, open the downstairs windows where it is naturally coolest, and one upstairs to create air flow. Leave bedroom doors open to encourage circulation. However, if you have one room that you just can’t seem to keep cool, go ahead and shut that door to keep from sucking the cool air from the rest of your home.
Fans are a great method to ventilate air and provide immediate relief. Ceiling fans are the best for creating a draft throughout an entire room, but table, floor, and window fans can produce a wonderful cooling effect as well. Just remember that fans cool your body by directly blowing air on you, versus cooling an entire space. So if your elderly loved one is relaxing or working at home, ensure the fan is placed so the breeze is aimed directly in their path.
Additional modifications for keeping your house cool include proper insulation and a reflective roof coating. Both of these can be big contributors in helping to reflect the sunshine from your home. Encourage your loved ones to refrain from stove-top cooking during the afternoon. Using any hot appliances, even an iron or dishwasher, should be kept for the early morning and evening hours when the heat is not threatening.
Follow these tips, and you and your family can enjoy relaxing at home this summer while remaining safe and comfortable. If you have any concerns about the living conditions of a senior in your life, please contact us at Eldercare Services. Our expert team can provide a complimentary professional assessment, and will swiftly figure out solutions for your individual needs.