People living in places with hot climates have some challenges when it comes to making their houses comfortable, especially when it comes to maintaining the right temperature and humidity in the houses. So, whether you are living in the Nevada desert or looking at Arizona real estate, these tips will help you manage your hot climate house.
They also have to deal with the insects who find hot climates perfect for breeding, like mosquitoes. Because of that, it is sometimes challenging to leave their windows and doors open to let in some fresh and cool air.
However, this guide looks at some of the ways to remain comfortable in hot climate areas.
Have A Basement Master Bedroom
When people first hear this idea, it sounds weird because they associate the basement with cold, mold, dust, spider webs, and stuffy air. However, it is a perfect place for a house in a hot climate area to have a master bedroom.
While the first days might be challenging because of the dust and stuffy air, there are some other reasons people should move their bedrooms to the basement.
Cool air
The basement is normally under the house and does not have a lot of exposure to the sun during the day. Therefore, it remains cool even on the hottest of days.
No mosquitoes
Mosquitoes and other hot climate insects are some of the most uncomfortable things in a hot climate area. However, if people have their master bedroom in the basement, there are very few chances that mosquitoes will get them there.
Privacy
People are guaranteed privacy in the basement because that is the last place the kids and other people think about going. Also, not a lot of noise from the outside will get into the basement, and homeowners don’t have to think about neighbors seeing them in their houses.
Improves the value of the house
Having a finished and well-taken care of basement increases the value of a house in case the homeowner wants to sell it.
How To Save Power and Energy for Air Conditioning
One of the biggest challenges when living in hot climates is maintaining the temperature of the house to a comfortable degree. People can only do that by using an air conditioner, and sometimes it takes up a lot of power to bring the house to the desired temperature.
However, there are a few tips people could use to reduce their air conditioning energy consumption
Use a ceiling fan
People can go old fashion and install a ceiling fan in their living space. Not only does it consume around 10% of the total energy an air condition system consumes, but it also helps keep the air fresh and cool circulating it around.
It also creates a cool, windy, and outdoor feeling by creating a wind-chill effect. If people want to upgrade their homes, they can install smart fans that they can control using apps on their phones.
Shade the windows
By entering through the windows, direct sunlight can increase the temperature of a house by up to 20 degrees F. That causes the air conditioning system in the house to work harder to cool the house, consuming more power.
Homeowners can reduce that by using roll-up shades, shades and closing their blinds and curtains during the day on windows that face the sun. Alternatively, they can open windows on the west in the morning and those on the east to let in natural light in the afternoon.
Avoid Activities That Increase Heat in the House
If homeowners have to cook over the fire, they should do that outdoors to avoid increasing the heat in their houses. They should also minimize the usage of appliances that increase the house temperatures or have a place for them outdoors.
They could also install a bathroom exhaust fan that helps eliminate excess humidity and heat from the house.
Water-Wise Yard Work Tips
Another challenge a lot of people in hot climate areas face is maintaining the vegetation around their homes green and healthy. These tips will help them save water usage and still maintain the health of their grass, flowers, and bushes.
Use Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation helps get the water deep into the roots of the grass and other plants, which promotes the growth of a strong root system. Plants that have a stronger root system can withstand the heat.
With drip irrigation, there is also little to no evaporation of the water because it uses little amounts of water a time, ensuring that all the water is absorbed by the ground.
Mulch
Mulch helps prevent water loss by evaporation from the grounds, ensuring that the plants get the maximum use of the moisture.
Water in the morning
Homeowners in hot climates should water their yards and gardens in the morning before the ground gets exposed to the sun and the stress of people walking on it. That helps get the water deeper into the roots.
Plant drought-resistant plants
These plants can tolerate very high temperatures and need very little water to keep them alive.
Don’t Mow the Grass Short
Maintain about 3 inches of grass when you mow to prevent evaporation. Also, do not pick up the grass cuttings unless there is a grass disease. They help act as a mulch to maintain moisture and provide nutrients.
While it may take some adjusting to living comfortably in a hot climate location, these tips help people live as comfortably as they would elsewhere. There are also possibilities of having a green and lush yard or garden in hot climate areas as in any other place.
