Is There More To Managing A Summer's Room Than Just Air Conditioning?




The logic goes that if you hope to keep certain rooms comfortable in the sweltering heat of summer, air conditioning should be your first port of call. It’s hard to argue with that notion; homes across the country have been fitted with such units for an obvious purpose.

Yet a question arises in countries experiencing even warmer heat but who don’t have such units installed as standard, those waiting for a renovation before repairing a broken model, or perhaps those who just don’t want to rely on the crutch of air conditioning. Namely, is there more to managing a summer’s room than just air conditioning, to make the space breathable, comfortable, and well-balanced with heat and relaxation?

What if you love your conservatory for heating, but you know it gets extremely hot when the sun pours in? The measures you use for mitigation aren’t always obvious. So, let’s assume you’re looking to substantiate any air conditioning units you may have. How might you go about maintaining a comfortable environment? Let’s consider that, below:

Well-Fitted Windows

Poorly fitted windows might seem like they’ll let air in, but really they can just let the hot air in without necessarily letting it out. Through them, you’ll notice the air feeling muggy no matter what you do, or that standing near a window somehow feels warmer than the rest of the room. Older frames can warp slightly after a period, too, and even modern ones may leave a small gap or two after repeated seasonal expansions and contractions take place if not perfectly fitted for the space.

Double or sometimes triple glazing certainly helps with insulation, but it’s not the only factor. Window treatments like thermal blinds or UV-reflective films can help to drastically reduce solar gain without darkening the room completely. It’s also good to talk to a window replacements service if you’re thinking about altering your installation, as they can provide a perfect custom design for your needs.

Many A Plant

You may be surprised just how comforting plants make a room, even a hot one. They’re not going to cool the room the way a ceiling fan might, but the difference is subtle and consistent, especially when you’ve got several working together.

We’d recommend a few hanging from the ceiling, a tall potted one near the window, and smaller herbs lining a shelf, or potted plants if you prefer that. It’s an easy way to make a hot room feel like it breathes, and they give you an excuse to crack open a window without worrying too much about bugs or dust creeping in unnoticed. It’s not essential, but certainly worth trying.

Airflow Consideration

Most rooms don’t actually suffer from too much heat, they just trap it, and if you’ve ever walked into a space that’s been shut up all day, you’ll know the feeling instantly, because it’s thick, heavy, unmoving. So, move the air if you can, and give it somewhere to g.

Also check if you’re limiting this, such as with furniture pushed against vents, blinds that stay permanently tilted closed, or just too many cluttered surfaces preventing the air from gently flowing through. Remember that a fan can’t cool you, but it can push hot air out.

With this advice, we believe you’ll be able to manage as summer’s room carefully, with or without air conditioning.

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