Beat the Heat
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5 Simple Ways to Improve Home Energy Efficiency This Summer
Summer in Cyprus is no joke. With temperatures soaring past 40°C, keeping your home cool without skyrocketing energy bills becomes a challenge. But before you give in to running your air conditioner 24/7, there are simple, effective ways to improve energy efficiency and keep your home comfortable. Here’s what you can do:
1. Clean Your AC Filters
Your air conditioner is your best friend in the summer—but only if it’s running efficiently. A clogged filter makes it work harder, consuming more energy while cooling less effectively. The fix? Just take the filters out, rinse them under water, let them dry, and pop them back in. Do this once a month, and you’ll notice the difference.
2. Install a Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans are the unsung heroes of summer. While a typical 9,000 BTU AC unit can consume over 1,000 watts per hour, a ceiling fan only uses a fraction of that. It won’t replace your AC, but it will help circulate cool air, reducing how often you need to run it—especially at night when a gentle breeze is all you need.
3. Paint Your Roof White
Dark roofs absorb heat, turning your home into an oven. A simple, cost-effective solution is to apply a white roof coating. Many of these coatings are waterproof and reflect sunlight far better than traditional gray or asphalt roofs, reducing the amount of heat that gets trapped inside. Think of it as giving your home a pair of sunglasses. Typically, you will need 2 coats, at €10 per square meter.
4. Install Reflective Window Films
Windows are like magnifying glasses for heat. Reflective window films reduce heat gain by blocking a percentage of solar energy before it enters your home. They’re easy to install and don’t obstruct your view. Less heat means less need for air conditioning, and that translates to energy savings.
5. Seal Air Drafts with Weather Strips
Ever felt a warm draft near your doors? Those tiny gaps let in heat and force your AC to work harder. Silicone weather strips are a quick and inexpensive way to seal those gaps, keeping the cool air inside and the heat out. Bonus: They also help with insulation in winter and reduce noise.
Bonus Tip: Swap Your Light Bulbs for LEDs
Incandescent and halogen bulbs don’t just light up your home—they heat it up too. LEDs, on the other hand, use far less electricity and emit almost no heat. Making the switch is a small change with a big impact.
CONCLUSION
None of these require major investments or professional help, but together, they can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and energy bills. So before you resign yourself to sweating through summer or overpaying on electricity, try these simple fixes. Your home (and your wallet) will thank you.