6 Tips for a Cooler and Breezier HDB Flat
Hint: These don’t involve cranking up the air conditioning
When heat and humidity are pretty much a part of life year-round, it’s easy to let the air conditioner do its job. In tropical Singapore, where temperatures in the hotter months can hit 33 degrees Celcius, this might seem to be the only option for the many who live in HDB flats or condos. But with a few changes, you can cool down your home without a hefty utility bill – and without contributing much to global warming, too.
Extra: Open doors as well. Studies on HDB flats have found that opening doors in the flat improves airflow around the space.
2. Cover up
Block the sun with blinds, window shades and curtains to prevent a mini greenhouse effect from forming inside. Be sure to use light-coloured materials, which reflect sunlight, rather than light-absorbing dark hues.
Block the sun with blinds, window shades and curtains to prevent a mini greenhouse effect from forming inside. Be sure to use light-coloured materials, which reflect sunlight, rather than light-absorbing dark hues.
In fact, you can layer your window covers, with thick neutral curtains (dust and dirt don’t show as much) for the hottest hours and a lighter, sheer (semi-transparent) curtain underneath for early or late in the day, when you want to let light in.
You might also consider covering windows with transparent films and tints that are designed to reflect glare and reduce heat and UV rays entering the home.
How to choose the right window treatment
How to choose the right window treatment
Good ventilation also prevents mould from growing in humidity-rich areas like the bathroom and kitchen. Install an exhaust fan in these rooms – it’s even worth investing in a range hood if your kitchen sees a lot of cooking action.
3. Make the most of fans
There are lots of ways to maximise your electric fans beyond pointing them in your direction. Tilt the fan up slightly towards the ceiling to encourage air movement. If you have a couple, position them in opposite corners of the room, one near a window to pull in the breeze.
There are lots of ways to maximise your electric fans beyond pointing them in your direction. Tilt the fan up slightly towards the ceiling to encourage air movement. If you have a couple, position them in opposite corners of the room, one near a window to pull in the breeze.
A ceiling fan distributes air evenly throughout a room. Before purchasing one, check that the fan turns counter-clockwise, as this motion pushes cool air down. Also, ensure that the blades are at an angle of between 12 to 16 degrees for optimal airflow.
Browse ceiling fans
Browse ceiling fans
4. Go green
Plants absorb greenhouse gases and encourage oxygen circulation. Indoor plants are also a natural way to freshen up a space both visually and literally – many have air-purifying benefits.
Plants absorb greenhouse gases and encourage oxygen circulation. Indoor plants are also a natural way to freshen up a space both visually and literally – many have air-purifying benefits.
If you’re worried about the lack of a green thumb, start with just a few, low maintenance plants: the spider plant, rubber tree plant, snake plant or money tree plant. Succulents and indoor terrariums offer are excellent decorating options if you’re feeling creative.
Container plants for the tropics
Container plants for the tropics
5. Change your lights
Switch to LED bulbs – they’re energy-saving, they last longer and don’t contribute much heat unlike other types of light bulbs.
Switch to LED bulbs – they’re energy-saving, they last longer and don’t contribute much heat unlike other types of light bulbs.
LED bulbs are inexpensive, offer more brightness for less energy and come in many great designs. Ask around your favourite furniture or hardware store about wattage and lumens (the amount of light output from a light source that’s visible to the human eye) to figure which bulbs are right for your home.
6 ways to use LED lighting in your home
6 ways to use LED lighting in your home
6. Take care of your AC
Your air conditioner is your best ally in keeping your apartment cool, well-ventilated and humidity-free, so have it professionally serviced at least once a year. Check and change filters regularly – approximately every thirty days, depending on how quickly your filter accumulates dust and dirt. These ensure that your AC performs at max efficiency, which lowers your electricity consumption.
Your air conditioner is your best ally in keeping your apartment cool, well-ventilated and humidity-free, so have it professionally serviced at least once a year. Check and change filters regularly – approximately every thirty days, depending on how quickly your filter accumulates dust and dirt. These ensure that your AC performs at max efficiency, which lowers your electricity consumption.
TELL US
Do you practice any of these tips? Is there any heat-beating advice you’d like to share? Let us know in the Comments.
Do you practice any of these tips? Is there any heat-beating advice you’d like to share? Let us know in the Comments.
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In a nutshell, ventilation is letting clean air in and letting stale air out. Keep windows closed during the day to keep the heat out (unless you’re home and there’s a strong breeze blowing outside), but open them at night to let the cooler air in.