29/04/2024
๐๐จ๐ญ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ค, ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ: ๐๐๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ญ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ฌ๐ฉ๐๐๐
(As published on Property Report PH, April 26, 2024)
With hybrid and remote work becoming the norm, isnโt it wonderful how many of us are relishing the perks of working from our own cozy spaces at home? But letโs address the flipside โ when summer arrives and turns our homes into literal hotspots! Suddenly, we find ourselves fleeing to nearby coffee shops and malls just to escape the heat, leading to increased expenses and not-so-healthy food and lifestyle choices.
If youโre determined to stay fresh at home while minding your business, donโt fret! Here are a few tips that wonโt make you break a sweat.
๐พ๐ก๐๐๐ง ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ง ๐ค๐ ๐๐ช๐ข๐๐๐๐ฉ๐ฎ
In the Philippines, dealing with humidity is a constant battle. If a regular electric fan isnโt cutting it for you, consider getting air cooler fans that are fed with water or ice, offering a crisp solution. Having a dehumidifier on hand is also a game-changer, as it can effectively remove excess moisture, making indoor spaces cooler and more comfortable.
๐พ๐ง๐ค๐จ๐จ-๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ก๐๐ฉ๐
Maximize natural ventilation by strategically opening windows and doors to create cross breezes. This not only facilitates the circulation of fresh air throughout your home but also aids in maintaining consistent indoor temperatures. A handy tip Iโve discovered during my years of condo living is employing a powerful air circulator such as a Vornado aimed outward through an open window or balcony door to effectively flush out trapped hot air.
๐ฟ๐ง๐๐จ๐จ ๐๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ค๐ฌ๐จ
Install cool blinds, shades, or curtains to block direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Light-colored, reflective blinds can reduce solar heat gain while still allowing soft, diffused light. If your workspace is directly hit by sunlight, consider having your windows tinted which can trap harmful UV rays as well.
๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ง๐ค๐ข ๐๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐๐ค๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฃ
Ceiling fans are great for circulating air and generating a refreshing breeze. For maximum cooling during summer, set them to rotate counterclockwise. The downward draft can produce a wind chill effect, keeping you cooler by evaporating moisture from your skin. Conversely, clockwise rotation is better suited for circulating warm air during colder months.
๐๐ง๐๐๐ฃ ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐
Add plants and shrubs strategically around your home to provide natural shade and reduce the amount of direct sunlight that enters your living spaces. Opt for plants with big leaves that can shield areas of your house directly hit by the sun. For smaller spaces like condos, consider indoor cooling plants that can freshen up the atmosphere like ficus, snake plants, or peace lilies.
๐๐ก๐ค๐ค๐ง ๐๐ฉ ๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐พ๐ค๐ค๐ก๐๐ง ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐๐ก๐จ
Tile, stone, or concrete naturally stay cooler than materials like carpet or hardwood. If your home doesnโt have these kinds of floorings, consider using rugs made from natural fibers like jute or cotton that can provide softness without trapping heat. Bamboo and vinyl flooring with click-lock designs are also good options that can be placed on top of your existing flooring for minimized installation mess.
๐๐๐๐ฅ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐ช๐ฉ ๐ค๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ฃ
Limit the use of heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, and washer-dryers during the hottest parts of the day. Consider using a microwave oven, or batch cooking your meals in the early morning or evening when the temperature is cooler, saving you more time for work too!
๐๐ญ๐๐๐ช๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐๐๐๐ค๐ง๐ฉ๐จ
Ensure bathroom and kitchen exhausts are meticulously cleaned to effectively expel heat. While vacuuming is effective, you should periodically remove the covers to inspect for blockages such as built-up dust which can hinder airflow. Keep in mind also that most kitchen exhausts are equipped with replaceable filters, so make sure they are not saturated to maintain optimal performance.
๐๐ค๐ช๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐ฉ๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐จ
Keep yourself hydrated by stocking up your fridge on mint or cucumber-infused water. If youโre a fur parent, make sure your pets never get thirsty by placing water dishes or fountains around your home.
๐พ๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐๐๐ง๐จ๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ก ๐๐๐จ๐๐จ
A chilled-out home can work wonders for your state of mind. Beyond just lowering the temperature, consider adding a water fountain near your workspace. The gentle flow of water and soothing sounds can also help you unwind and find tranquility amidst your tasks.
Sounds cool? With these design tips, you can craft a cozy home workspace, keeping things chill even when temperatures rise.
With hybrid and remote work becoming the norm, isnโt it wonderful how many of us are relishing the perks of working from our own cozy spaces at home? But letโs address the flipside โ when summer arrives and turns our homes into literal hotspots! Suddenly, we find ourselves fleeing to nearby co...
