Summer is here—and, as has become the norm in recent years, it’s arrived all at once. Temperatures have risen sharply, and not just outside, but indoors too. As the thermometer climbs inside the home, everyday life gets a little tougher. So, how can you cope with the summer heat at home? After all, not every household has air conditioning—and even when it does, the electricity consumption and cost can be considerable.

Fortunately, it’s perfectly possible to stay comfortable at home when the temperatures soar. Here are some simple tricks, tips and strategies to help keep your home cool over the coming months.

Keep your home free from heat with these simple steps.

One thing we neded to be very clear about from the start is that, in summer, homes get hot—just as they get cold in winter, that’s normal. What’s not normal is wearing a jumper indoors in the middle of August or a T-shirt in January. That kind of behaviour leads to massive energy consumption and is rather irresponsible.

Time and again we’ve heard experts say that the ideal maximum temperature at home in winter is 21°C, and in summer the minimum should be 27°C. We need to get used to that. This doesn’t mean spending the summer sweating; there are ways to stay comfortable without relying on air conditioning all day long.

• The importance of strategic ventilation. Natural ventilation is essential in summer—not only to refresh the air inside the home but also to let cooler air in. This can be trickier during the hotter months, but it’s not impossible. The key is knowing when to do it: ventilate early in the morning (ideally before sunrise) and again in the evening. To keep the indoor temperature as low as possible during the rest of the day, keep windows closed, and lower the blinds to prevent the sun’s rays from heating the glass.
• Switch off lights and appliances. You’ve probably noticed how hot appliances can get in summer—which only adds to the warmth in your home. Unplug all non-essential devices (television, electronic gadgets and so on) and, of course, switch off any lights in empty rooms while making the most of natural light.
• Natural bedding and home textiles. Synthetic fabrics tend to trap heat. Opt for bed sheets and sofa covers made from natural fibres, which will feel cooler.
• Goodbye to rugs and bulky cushions. The home should be as uncluttered as possible to allow air to circulate. So remove rugs, large cushions and other bulky decorative elements, which also tend to retain heat.
• The ice-and-fan trick. You may have heard of this one, but in case you haven’t, try placing a bowl of water and ice in front of a running fan to help cool and humidify the air, making your home feel more comfortable.
• Lukewarm showers. Contrary to what you might think, a lukewarm shower is better than a cold one. Cold water causes a rebound effect once you get out, so your body heats up more quickly. Lukewarm water, however, helps your body stay cool for longer.

Beyond these quick fixes, it’s worth pointing out that well-insulated homes with walls built to modern standards are far less affected by outdoor temperatures and more comfortable to live in year-round. Which is why buildings need ongoing renovation and energy-efficient upgrades, so that people can live comfortably without wasting money or harming the environment.