Best Ideas for Building a Home in a Hot Climate
Whether it’s designing your dream home from the start or making creative changes to an existing structure, the hot climate of your city will create some challenges. While you could always rely on blasting the air conditioning, this is not a smart solution, as this could lead to increased energy bills. Having a primary understanding of heat and air flows within your home, as well as energy-efficient appliances and HVAC systems are needed. Here are some tips to aid you to deal with the hot weather.
Use Optimal Air Conditioning
With the use of a professional air conditioner service and an optimal thermostat or AC controller, you can still get the best out of your old units. You need more than just temperature regulation when living in a hot climate. A smart thermostat or AC controller will aid you to keep the optimal humidity level.
Track the Orientation of the Sun
In the morning, the section of your home facing the east receives sunlight. Your kitchen has to be located in this direction. The side of the structure facing the west receives sunlight at a lesser angle and gets past the windows in the afternoon. This section of your home will need shading to insulate it from heat gain. For the majority of the day, the side of the structure facing the south gets lots of light, so you should avoid building any bedrooms in this direction, and the primary living spaces should be on the north side.
Airflow
If you want a cooler home, you need to keep it well-ventilated. Stagnant air will create an uncomfortable space, especially if you live in humid locations. The best way to design a well-ventilated home is by creating an open plan that maximizes the airflow. Refrain from building additional barriers that can restrict the natural flow of air circulating through your home.
Select Cool Surface Materials
Surface materials that are cool to feel can have a significant impact on just how cool your home will be when temperatures increase. This is particularly important when you are selecting your home’s flooring. While wood flooring can be bold and elegant if you stay in a location with a hot climate, it’s important to remember that wood retains heat.
Use Lighter Colors
While designing your home from scratch or planning to redecorate, are you contemplating how these colors will affect your home’s temperature? It is important to know that dark colors absorb heat. Go for lighter colors like white and pink to keep your home cool even in the heat.
Window Treatments
In a hot climate, window options such as blinds are not going to be efficient. Instead, opt for external solutions like awnings and louvers. When the sun heats these up, the heat is not transferred indoors.
It takes more than just having air conditioning units to keep your home cool. You have to smartly design it to increase its ability to keep the heat outdoors.
- by Matt Watts
