It can be difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home during bouts of weather. Whether it’s the scorching heat of summer or the freezing cold of winter, extreme temperatures can cause discomfort and make it hard to relax.
Let’s face it; it’s becoming increasingly clear that our British homes are not designed to sustain extreme cold or heat easily. If you’ve been to the French Riviera before, you’ll have already noticed how cool homes remain in the scorching summer heat. Most British homes can’t do the same.
Unfortunately, this has a lot to do with our urban planning, building standards and transport. In hotter climates, homes often have much thicker walls, which keep the hot air at bay. Similarly, any trip to the Alps would have already demonstrated the power of specialised insulation. So, it’s time to learn from our neighbours on the other side of the English Channel.
Indeed, there are several tips and tricks you can use to stay cool (or warm) at home during extreme temperatures. In this blog post, we’ll explore 6 of the most effective tips to help you find relief from extreme temperatures. Read on to learn more…
Curtains & Blinds
Curtains and blinds are an effective way to regulate extreme temperatures in your home. Heavy, thick curtains or blinds can be used to block the sun in the summer while allowing natural sunlight into your home during the winter months. Additionally, curtains and blinds can be used to trap heat during the winter and cool air during the summer.
When choosing curtains or blinds for your home, look for materials thick enough to block out the heat or cold. Additionally, make sure to select curtains or blinds that match the style of your home. 2023 style trends include nature colours and bold statements, whilst gorgeous drapes can become part of your overall decor while contributing to regulating temperatures!
Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains are a great way to help keep your home comfortable year-round. In the summer, they help to keep out the hot sun and reduce your need for air conditioning. In the winter, they can help keep in the warm air and reduce your need for heating. Thermal curtains are typically made of thicker materials that provide extra insulation and help create a barrier between your home and the outside elements.
Adding thermal curtains to your home is especially useful if you have rooms that are prone to temperature fluctuations. For example, adding thermal curtains to a utility room or over a connecting door to your garage may be helpful. These areas are often much warmer than the rest of your home in summer, so adding extra insulation can help keep the temperature more consistent. In the winter, thermal curtains can also be helpful in these areas, as they will help retain heat and prevent cold air from coming in.
Overall, thermal curtains are relatively affordable and easy to install, so they’re a great option for any homeowner looking to keep their energy bills low while staying comfortable. One thing to bear in mind is that thermal curtains may lack design options and are a little, shall we say, aesthetically challenged. As such, they tend to be best suited in areas of your home that are out of your sight.
Door Canopies
A door canopy is a great way to reduce temperature fluctuations in your home without spending too much money. A door canopy is a shelter built over a door entrance, providing protection from the elements such as rain, sun and wind, and helping keep your entrance area cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
When considering a door canopy, it is important to choose the right materials to ensure maximum insulation. For example, choosing a canopy made of glass or metal may not provide the desired insulation. Instead, choose suitable materials that can provide better insulation and protect against harsh weather, such as both multiwall and twinwall polycarbonate sheets for canopies and other builds. Additionally, you can add these materials to your conservatory to further improve the thermal performance of your home.
Door canopies are also a great home improvement project if you want to increase the curb appeal of your home. Many different styles and designs can complement the look of your home and add value. With so many options available, you are sure to find one that suits your style and budget.
Under-Roof Insulation
Under-roof insulation is a great way to help regulate the temperature in your home, especially in British homes where temperatures can fluctuate greatly. This type of insulation is installed between the joists of the ceiling and the roof, and it helps keep your home warm during the winter months and cool during the summer. It can also help to reduce energy costs, as it keeps your home at a consistent temperature throughout the year.
In addition to regulating temperature, under-roof insulation also helps to reduce condensation and dampness in your home.
Installing under-roof insulation is not a difficult job, and there are a number of different types of insulation available on the market. For example, you can choose between traditional fibreglass insulation, mineral wool insulation, and foam insulation. Each type of insulation has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to do some research before making a decision on which one to install in your home.
When you have chosen the right insulation for your home, you will need to ensure that it is properly installed by an experienced professional. The cost of installation will depend on the type of insulation chosen and the size of the area that needs to be insulated. It is worth remembering that the installation cost is likely much less than the amount you will save on energy bills throughout the year.
Regular Ventilation
Ventilating your home every day is one of the best ways to keep it cool during hot weather. This can be done by opening your windows every day, and the fresh air will help to regulate the temperature and keep the air inside your home cooler.
You should consider scheduling regular time in your day to open the windows and let in some fresh air, regardless of the season. Why do you need to renew the air inside your home? This will serve many purposes. When it comes to temperature regulations, renewing the air makes your property easier to heat in winter and to cool in summer. This also saves costs!
Additionally, ventilation is important even in winter because stale, stagnant air can make your home feel uncomfortable. When the air isn’t renewed, it retains particles of toxin and dust, increasing the risks of respiratory discomfort and allergic reactions.
Air Humidifier/Dehumidifier
Monitoring moisture levels in the air inside your home is important to regulate the temperatures. Humid air makes it especially difficult to manage extreme hot or cold temperatures. Humidity exacerbates how hot or cold the air feels; this is why you may feel even more uncomfortable during summertime in humid environments, such as tropical regions.
To avoid this, installing a humidity sensor (often referred to as a hygrometer), an air humidifier, and a dehumidifier can make a big difference in the overall climate of your home. A humidifier can help add moisture to the air during winter when the air is dry, and it will also help ease any discomfort caused by dryness in your throat and skin. On the other hand, a dehumidifier can remove excess moisture from the air during summer and make it more bearable.
Furthermore, monitoring moisture levels can help prevent the growth of mould and mildew that thrive in moist environments.
The Bottom Line
Creating a comfortable home that remains inviting regardless of the outdoor temperatures is no easy task. Insulation plays a huge role in the comfort of your home. But more often than not, understanding how to reduce unwanted air infiltration, renew the stale air, and control humidity levels need to be part of a full home ambience management strategy.