Good Tips to Keep Your Home Cool Over Summer | The Heat Pump People

While a rare occurrence in temperate areas of New Zealand like Christchurch, when the temperature starts hitting 30 degrees, summer can be uncomfortable. Many of us use air conditioners and fans to keep our homes cool. If you prioritise energy efficiency, one of the best investments you can make is a heat pump, which is both a heating and cooling system in one. Even when using a heat pump, there are many other ways you can help to keep your home cooler.

In many places in New Zealand, it often cools substantially during the night over summer. Prop the windows open once the sun goes down to fill your home with cool air. When the sun rises and the temperature along with it, close your windows and keep your blinds or curtains down, especially on the sides of the house getting direct sunlight.

Up to 30 per cent of unwanted heat coming into your home is through the windows, so it’s well worth the effort. To make the effect greater, get light coloured blinds that will reflect the sun’s heat rather than absorb them. Other good measures are installing awnings to prevent direct sunlight heating your windows and shade sails above outdoor areas leading inside, such as outside a sliding door to the backyard.

Besides windows, the other biggest source of unwanted heat in the home is appliances. Laundry machines, dryers and dishwashers all disperse heated air into the house. If you do need to use these machines, aim to not use them during the hottest parts of the day. Using them at night is the best approach.

Of course, your oven and stove are also big culprits for generating heat in your home. Once again, avoid using these during the hottest times of the day. For example, make a sandwich or a salad or something else that doesn’t require use of an appliance for lunch. Alternatively, use the grill, microwave or an outdoor barbeque.

Having trees, vines, shrubbery and other green life around your house is a great way of keeping direct sunshine off your walls and roof. Green life actually cools the air around them as well by releasing oxygen, gas and water as sunlight hits. As the water evaporates, it absorbs the surrounding heat.

The Heat Pump Peopleprovides and installs residential air conditioning systems in properties across Christchurch, as well as providing heat pump repair and maintenance services. Our team of experts will happily advise the clients about the best heating and cooling systems. Chat to us about our customised heat pumps and air conditioning solutionsor about any other queries you may have.

Call now on 03 974 0752 or contact us online.