How to cool your home efficiently?

As the temperature rises, keeping your home cool becomes a necessity. We often use air conditioning to cool down on hot summer days, but this increases our electricity bill and also has a significant impact on the environment. Air conditioning is a serious contributor to global warming. In fact, the more we cool our homes, the more we “warm the planet”. A large proportion of refrigeration equipment uses hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, which are potent greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases produced during the transport of manufacturing and cooling equipment must also be taken into account, as this adds to the climate change burden. Scientists have estimated that air conditioning is responsible for 1950 million tonnes of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere each year, or 3.94% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Fortunately, there are many energy-efficient strategies you can implement to keep your home cool while being more environmentally friendly. Experts from the Elektrum Energy Efficiency Centre share smart and sustainable solutions for cooling rooms in your home efficiently, as well as advice on how to choose and use an air conditioner wisely if you are considering buying one.

Natural ventilation

Use natural ventilation methods – strategically open windows to encourage draughts, allowing cool air to flow efficiently through the house. If possible, open windows on opposite sides of the house to let warm air out and cool air in. If possible, use a smaller window gap for the inflow and a larger one for the outflow.

Thermal insulation – also in summer

Check for air leaks – check windows, doors and other openings where air can escape. Seal all gaps with a sealant or gasket to prevent warm air from entering and cold air from escaping.

Close curtains and blinds – direct sunlight can significantly increase the temperature in your home. Keep curtains and blinds closed during the hot part of the day to avoid sunlight and keep the room cooler.

Consider installing external blinds that heat up from the outside instead of on the inside, giving an even better cooling effect.

Use shading and reflective surfaces

Strategic landscaping and external shading can help reduce the solar heat impact and keep the house naturally cooler. Planting trees or installing awnings and fencing can provide shade, especially on the south and west sides of the house. Consider using a reflective roof material, thus reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems.

By implementing these energy-efficient cooling methods, you can keep your home comfortable while reducing energy consumption and costs.

However, if you are considering buying an air conditioner, please follow these recommendations:

• Which air-cooling device is best? The higher the energy efficiency class, the less energy it will consume. Please note that portable air conditioners do not have an energy label. The energy label of your air conditioner includes the following information.

The most popular types of air-cooling devices:

• Split-type air conditioner – consists of two units, internal and external, connected by pipes through which the refrigerant circulates. They are safe and quiet. This air conditioner has lower electricity consumption and a high-performance level. However, this type of air conditioner is relatively expensive and needs to be installed by a professional. In apartment buildings, written approval of a majority of the building’s apartment owners (50% plus one vote) is required. In some cases, approval is also required from the building authority.

• Window air conditioner – installed in the window opening or in the wall next to the window. Key advantages: high cooling capacity, many features, easy installation and maintenance, relatively low price. Disadvantages include high noise levels and the fact that the air conditioner takes up a large part of the window. In apartment buildings, written approval by a majority of the building’s apartment owners (50% plus one vote) is required. In some cases, approval is also required from the building authority.
• Portable air conditioner – warm air is extracted through a special duct. Relatively simple to install and affordable. Suitable for small spaces, easy to move. The main drawbacks are low power and high noise levels.

Efficient use = longer device life and lower consumption

• Ensure good air circulation to the appliance by moving obstacles such as furniture or plants that block the flow of cooled air.
• Do not place the air conditioner next to equipment that gives off heat. This will cause the air conditioner to turn up the cooling power and increase electricity consumption.
• Cooling should start early in the morning before the rooms heat up from the sun, and windows and night curtains or blinds should be closed in the rooms you want to protect from rising temperatures.
• To protect your health and electricity consumption, set the air conditioner’s operating mode so that the temperature indoors and outdoors does not differ by more than 5 °C.

Remember to maintain your appliance!

Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring the optimal performance and energy efficiency of cooling equipment. Schedule maintenance at least once a year to clean the filters, check the refrigerant level and check for technical problems – best if done by a professional. Filters should also be changed regularly to prevent airflow restrictions and increase efficiency.

By following these recommendations, you can create a comfortable indoor environment while avoiding unnecessary electricity consumption. Whether you use natural ventilation, optimise the temperature or switch to energy-efficient appliances, all efforts are consistent with environmentally friendly choices. Efficient cooling is not just about comfort – it’s about making conscious choices that are good for your wallet and the planet.

Follow other tips from the experts of the Elektrum Energy Efficiency Centre, take a look at here.