Homeowner advisory: eschew the heatwave shortcut, warning issued by expert - may cause more damage than relief
In the midst of a scorching heatwave, staying cool indoors can be a challenge. However, there are practical and energy-efficient strategies to help you beat the heat. One such method, known as the "caveman method," has gained popularity as a low-tech solution for cooling your home.
The caveman method, inspired by the natural cooling properties of caves, recommends keeping windows, doors, blinds, and curtains closed during the day to block sunlight and heat, and trapping cooler night air inside. This approach reduces indoor temperatures by preventing heat gain from direct sunlight and warm outside air. Practical experiences highlight that the method can make rooms feel noticeably cooler and more comfortable, especially in bedrooms, facilitating better sleep despite high outdoor temperatures.
Experts explain that darkness and limited exposure to outside heat help stabilize indoor temperatures, similar to how caves stay cool in hot weather. However, the effectiveness of the caveman method may vary depending on the house orientation and conditions. For instance, east-facing rooms with morning sun might still feel warm despite closing windows and blinds.
To further enhance cooling efficiency, some suggest complementing the caveman method with placing ice packs in front of fans to circulate chilled air. A more modern adaptation is creating a "DIY Cool Room," which focuses cooling efforts on a single room by closing doors and using fans or AC units, enhancing cooling efficiency and reducing energy costs compared to cooling the entire house.
While the caveman method is a practical solution, it's important to note that the primary function of a bathroom exhaust fan is to remove smells and moisture, not to cool a room. Turning on the bathroom exhaust fan would likely expel unnecessary electricity, potentially increasing energy costs. So, while Reddit users may suggest turning on a bathroom exhaust fan during a heatwave to help cool a room, it seems unlikely to be an effective solution.
Another way to stay cool during a heatwave is by preparing your AC for the hot weather. If you don't have air conditioning, consider investing in a portable fan like the Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Indoor Outdoor Pedestal & Table Fan. This fan, currently on sale at Amazon for $129 (originally $199), cools like a cucumber in a lux grocery store and is portable, rechargeable, and can be used indoors or outdoors with a detachable misting tank.
In addition, using aluminum foil on windows can reflect heat away from the home and keep it cool. To effectively use aluminum foil, it should be placed on the outside, strong foil should be used, and a protective layer should be applied.
As for unconventional tips for sleeping cool during a heatwave, frozen bed sheets and cold spoons are not the most effective solutions. Instead, try the caveman method or invest in a portable fan to help you beat the heat.
In summary, the caveman method is a practical, energy-efficient strategy to cool indoor spaces during heatwaves by blocking heat and sunlight and using darkness to keep rooms cooler, with effectiveness influenced by specific home layouts and local conditions. Other solutions include preparing your AC for a heatwave, using a portable fan like the Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Indoor Outdoor Pedestal & Table Fan, and using aluminum foil on windows to reflect heat away from the home.
- Embracing the principles of environmental science, the caveman method of cooling homes is rooted in the natural cooling properties of caves, suggesting homeowners to block sunlight and heat by keeping windows, doors, blinds, and curtains closed during the day, and trapping cooler night air inside, thus reducing indoor temperatures.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and lifestyle, the caveman method can facilitate better sleep despite high outdoor temperatures by creating a cooler indoor environment, as demonstrated by practical experiences.
- To minimize climate change impacts and reduce energy costs related to home-and-garden maintenance, the environmental-science community encourages using energy-efficient methods such as the caveman method, aluminum foil on windows to reflect heat away from the home, and investing in energy-efficient fans like the Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Indoor Outdoor Pedestal & Table Fan.
