Who says sunny days says picnic in the grass, trip to the beach and barbecue with friends, but that also means that it will be hot, even very hot. Let's see which ecological and environmentally friendly solutions to adopt to better withstand the heat.
Heat:you'll have to get used to it!
While it is pleasant to be able to stroll in the sun, temperatures tend to be higher and higher each year in France. As proof, the summer of 2019 is in third place among the hottest French summers[1]. Thus, many of us suffer from the heat, especially in cities where spaces are smaller and the population more dense.
It is then necessary to find a solution to cool off and withstand these sometimes stifling temperatures. The options abound. However, some are more recommendable than others.
Air conditioning:yes or no?
Among the most popular options, the air conditioner. For several years, it has been very fashionable and has taken up residence in many homes. Problem, if the air conditioning is very efficient, this solution is anything but green. It is in fact a device that will take hot air inside, to reject it outside.
This increase in outdoor temperature creates what are called urban heat islands. In 2012, it was even determined that the use of air conditioners increased the temperature in Paris by 0.5°C[2].
In addition to this release of hot air, air conditioners contain highly polluting refrigerants. These are powerful greenhouse gases. If they spill in the event of a leak or a breakdown of the device, they pollute the water and the soil.
Using an air conditioner is also very expensive. It is estimated that cooling a room of 45 m² can increase your electricity bill by 25%. In addition to the ecological consequences, air conditioners can cause respiratory problems, viral infections or even dry eyes. Air conditioning will tend to dry out the air, which is bad for our health.
Fan:is it a good option?
When you want some fresh air, you immediately think of the fan. If it is effective, it should not be abused, especially at night. It will raise dust, animal hair and pollen which could trigger reactions. The fan can also dry out the mucous membranes and the risk is to wake up with dry eyes, stuffy nose and headaches.
Refresh your interior without air conditioning
Circulate the air
If possible, create a draft in your home by opening opposite windows. Above all, choose the time when you open your windows, when it is the coolest. Especially in the morning and at night.
Using humidity
Water will tend to cool you down effectively in several ways. You can hang damp cloths from windows, spray water with misters, air dry your clothes indoors, or place containers filled with water in nooks.
Using a fan
To cool down, you can also blow fresh air into your home with a fan. To maximize its effects, place a bowl of ice cubes or a bottle filled with frozen water in front of it. This will diffuse even cooler air which will quickly lower the temperature in your home.
Having plants at home
They will help filter the sun's rays and cool the surrounding air. If they are close to walls or windows, they will provide additional insulation.
Insulation:why is it important?
The ideal, so that the heat does not infiltrate your home from the first rays of the sun, is to have good insulation. Thick walls and double glazing in the windows will effectively protect you from the heat, but also from the cold.
Rethink your home for better protection
Choose the right appliances
Refrigerator, oven, water heater… Appliances can heat up enormously and increase the temperature of a room. Choose models with low energy consumption, trust the labels and favor those mentioning the letter A.
Think about shutters and curtains
Prevent the sun from entering your home with shutters or curtains. They will create a protective barrier. For more flexibility, bet on blinds or roller shutters that you open as you wish. As for the curtains, some are insulating, both against the cold and the heat. Remember to open them at night to get as much fresh air as possible. You can also use home automation in your home. Your home will be connected to apps that you can control from anywhere, even at work. This will allow you to open or close your shutters at your convenience to have a cool house when you come back.
Test clear roof and walls
The heat is always stronger when you wear dark colors, it's the same with a house! With a roof and walls in light tones, the heat felt will be much less intense and more bearable.
Prepare to fight the summer heat by taking the right steps. Air circulation, plants, curtains and shutters, foggers... luckily, you can use a large number of much more eco-friendly and effective tips to withstand summer heat waves.
Source:
http://www.meteofrance.fr/actualites/75519423-bilan-l-ete-2019-au-3e-rang-des-etes-les-plus-chauds-en-france
https://www.futura-sciences.com/planete/questions-reponses/environnement-climatisation-elle-mauvaise-environnement-9527/
https://youmatter.world/en/cooling-warm-home-ecologically/
https://www.ecohabitation.com/guides/1214/rafraichir-son-habitation-sans-climatiser/
[1] Meteo France
[2] CNRS and Météo France research
