Four ways to create a cool home this summer

Beat the balmy weather and relax in a breezy breakaway by cooling down your home with these four tips:

Declutter and pack away “warmth”

Cosy cushions, throws and carpets are great room accessories to create a warm, welcoming feel in winter. In the heat of summer, however, these additions can make a room feel hot and stuffy. Now is the time to pack away the “winter” extras and opt for a simpler, more minimalist feel that creates a spacious, calm and collected atmosphere.

Bring the jungle inside

Certain indoor plants have natural cooling qualities, as they release excess water from their leaves on hot days to cool themselves and the air around them. Through transpiration, these plants will even absorb warm air and release oxygen and moisture to create a cooler surrounding. Opt for plants such as aloe vera, bamboo palm, weeping fig, snake plant, and spider plant and set up an indoor summer jungle to reduce the indoor temperatures while adding lush greenery to your overall look.

Install some cool tech

January and February can be real scorchers, which means it’s time to bring out the big guns: a high-tech, hard core airconditioner. The LG DualCool airconditioner will beat the heat thanks to a dual inverter compressor that offers up to 40% faster cooling and up to 70% energy saving for an efficient, electricity-friendly cooling system.

Play with light and air

If, like most South African houses, your home is north facing, you want to reduce heat without compromising on the natural light. Installing sheer shades or shutters or a removable awning are good options to prevent the hot sun from pouring into a room while allowing you to open windows on both sides of the house to create good airflow. Remember to keep upper level windows open too to allow the warm air to rise and escape.