Summer is just around the corner, and so is extreme heat. Recent data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found that the Earth’s annual average temperature continues to increase as the year 2020 hits the second hottest record in history. This reality is alarming for everyone making it an environmental issue we have to deal with.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat contributes to the increasing number of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses and deaths. Although it is preventable, records show that 600 people in the United States die every year due to this phenomenon.
Should temperatures continue to rise, residents will have to develop other comfortable options, such as limiting the growing utility and energy usage to cope with warmer weather. Moreover, as humidity heightens during the season, mold and mildew develop more quickly in your home, especially in parts that are already damp, so house cleaning, repairs, and maintenance are crucial for each homeowner.
The cool roof
Excessive solar accumulation may be a big load on air conditioning. According to reports, rooftop surfaces can reach temperatures of up to 90 °F greater than the ambient air temperature causing harm to the community and our quality of life. One approach to prevent heat from traveling from the top into your property is to employ various devices to distribute the heat.
Installing a cool roof is the initial step in this process. According to the Department of Energy, you may construct your very own solar cells using reflective, single sheet-like coating or heat-proof shingles and panels. No matter type of material you use, the purpose of a reflective roof is to bounce back the sunlight away from properties, buildings, and residences, so it prevents the surface from overheating and generate solar gains. When done right, cool roofing may reduce surface temperatures by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The green roof
This type of roofing is essentially a built-in garden on one’s rooftop, which acts as an additional layer of protection to reduce heat gain. Although green roofs are more pricey than other heat-proof roof solutions, they provide additional benefits. For instance, in a storm, this type of roof aids in rainwater harvesting and drainage and provides an extra protective layer from heat and damage all year.
With conventional roofing, significant changes in temperature indoors can occur. Your property rapidly heats up in summer as daylight heat is absorbed primarily by a gray rooftop. However, when vegetation is present, much of the direct sunlight is reflected by plants rather than absorbed. Additionally, the moisture contained in the plants evaporates, providing further cooling. All of this guarantees that the temperature inside the property stays low, allowing you to save money on air conditioners and other energy expenditures.
The shading
Solar radiation can also cause heat to enter your home through other open areas such as your windows. 76% of the sun’s energy that strikes a conventional window is reflected into the room as heat. Thus, to properly insulate your home, you must find a means to prevent it.
For example, direct sunlight can be regulated by inner shades, shutters, and drapes by opening or closing them. Ultraviolet light can also be blocked by using window films or specially designed frames that block the harmful rays of sunlight.
However, if you don’t want to block natural light through these covers, you can opt for strategically planting grown trees or plants as they provide a fresh, cool breeze amidst the warm climate without having to close or cover your windows.
The insulation
Insulation is generally related to cold weather, but it may also assist in ensuring heat protection in your property in summer. During the cold season, it keeps us warm inside. But in the warmer months, this barrier also takes the pressure out. It’s a pretty straightforward formula: the less heat enters your home, the lesser you’ll need to use your air conditioning unit; thus, saving more energy.
Summer brings a lot of great things and even creates precious memories. However, it comes with a price: excessive heat. For many people, an air — conditioning system is neither inexpensive nor practical. But while the hot weather can be oppressive and suffocating, this does not have to be the case in your house.
With temperature and pressure steadily rising, it is necessary to set and prepare your household for the season with some cost-effective yet straightforward methods and décor changes that will help your house appear fresher, more relaxed, and more pleasant without having to add in the environmental concern we already have. By combining more adjustments and significant home upgrades, your home can become heat-resistant and better able to cope with the higher temperatures resulting from climate change.
