Keep Your Bedroom Cool: Tips For Lowering Temperature

There are many ways to lower the temperature in your bedroom. One of the most effective ways is to use a fan. Ceiling fans, box fans, oscillating fans, mounted fans, and tower fans can all help to circulate the air and create a wind-chill effect. If you don't have a fan, you can try placing a bowl of ice or cold water in front of a gentle breeze, or even a bowl of ice in front of a fan to create a cool, misty breeze.

Another way to lower the temperature is to reduce the amount of heat entering the room. Closing windows, blinds, shutters, and curtains can prevent direct sunlight from heating up the room. Using dark or blackout curtains can also prevent the sun's rays from overheating your room.

You can also try to reduce the amount of heat generated by appliances and electronics. Computers, televisions, ovens, stoves, washers, dryers, and incandescent light bulbs can all contribute to the heat in the room. Turning off or unplugging these devices when not in use can help to lower the temperature.

Additionally, you can try using cooling bedding and sleepwear. Sheets made with breathable materials like cotton, Tencel, or bamboo-rayon can help wick moisture away from your body and evaporate it more quickly. Wearing light, breathable clothing to bed can also help keep you cool.

Finally, you can try drinking cool water and taking cool showers to lower your body temperature and prevent overheating.

Close windows, blinds, shutters and curtains

Keeping windows, blinds, shutters, and curtains closed is a great way to lower the temperature in your bedroom. This is especially true if you're in a top-floor room or apartment, as these spaces tend to heat up more quickly.

Windows are a significant source of heat transfer, with about 30% of a home's heating energy escaping through them during the colder months, and up to 76% of sunlight entering through standard double-pane windows turning into heat during warmer periods. By keeping your windows closed, you can prevent the hot outside air from coming in, helping to maintain a cooler indoor temperature.

Blinds, shutters, and curtains also play a crucial role in regulating the temperature in your bedroom. They act as a layer of insulation for your windows, minimising the transfer of heat. During hot weather, closing your blinds, shutters, or curtains can prevent excess solar heat from entering your room. Light-coloured or reflective blinds are particularly effective at keeping the room cool. Similarly, curtains with thermal protection can help keep the heat out in the summer. Conversely, during colder months, heavy and tightly woven curtains can shield you from chilly drafts, providing an additional layer of insulation and reducing heat loss.

To maximise the temperature-regulating benefits of these window coverings, it's important to be strategic about when you open and close them. In the summer, keep them closed during the day, especially when your bedroom receives direct sunlight, to prevent heat gain. Then, once the hottest part of the day is over (usually between 3 pm and 6 pm), open them up to let the cooler breeze in. In the winter, you can open them during sunny days to let in natural warmth and close them in the evenings to trap the heat indoors.

Use energy-efficient light bulbs

One of the easiest ways to make your home more eco-friendly is to switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. Energy-efficient bulbs are a low-cost, high-reward upgrade that can lead to significant energy and money savings.

Look for the ENERGY STAR® seal on the packaging. This seal is only given to brands and products that use natural resources responsibly. LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient lighting option available, using only a tenth of the energy of an incandescent bulb. They are also four to five times more energy-efficient than halogen bulbs and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

• Longer lifetime: The best LED bulbs last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. This means you'll spend less money on replacements.
• More durable: LED bulbs are usually made of plastic, making them far more durable than the fragile glass bulbs of the past.
• Use less energy: Lighting accounts for 15% of average home electrical use. LEDs use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and CFLs use 25-35% less energy than conventional lighting.
• Produce less waste: Because energy-saving bulbs last much longer than conventional ones, you’ll throw away fewer light bulbs.
• Safer: Incandescent bulbs emit up to 98% of their energy as heat, producing dangerously high temperatures that can cause burns or even start fires. And because they’re made of glass, they are prone to shattering.

How to Choose the Best Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

There are three main types of energy-efficient bulbs: LED, CFL, and halogen. When choosing a bulb, consider the brightness and color temperature, as well as the compatibility and fixture type.

• Brightness and color temperature: The Kelvin scale is used to measure the color temperature of light bulbs, helping you find the perfect light for any room. For example, a kitchen may require a bright light with a cooler color temperature, while a living room may require a softer light with a warmer color temperature.
• Compatibility and fixture type: Ensure the bulb is compatible with the fixture’s voltage rating, base, and spatial requirements. Compare the base size with your old bulb to ensure compatibility. Also, consider the type of fixture in which the light bulb will be installed, as some bulbs may not be suitable for enclosed fixtures or outdoor use.

Use a fan

Fans are a great way to cool down a room, especially when compared to the high costs and environmental impact of running an AC. They are also a simple, inexpensive solution to lowering the temperature in your bedroom. Here are some tips on how to use a fan effectively to cool your bedroom:

Choose the Right Fan

First, you need to select the right type of fan for your needs. There are several options available, including portable fans, ceiling fans, window fans, tower fans, and pedestal fans. Ceiling fans are more efficient than portable fans as they move more air at a lower cost. If you want to create a cross-breeze, you will need two fans and two windows that can be opened.

Positioning the Fan

The positioning of the fan is crucial to maximising its cooling effect. If you are using a window fan, place it in an open window so that it blows air into the room. Clear any obstructions between the windows, such as chairs or tables. On the opposite side of the house, find another window in a straight line from the first, and position another fan there to blow air out of the room. This will create a cross-breeze, moving cool air in and hot air out.

If you only have one fan, you can still create a cross-breeze by tightly closing all other windows near the open window and opening a second window on the opposite side of the house. Ensure that there are no obstructions between the windows.

For box or pedestal fans, place them within 5 feet of a window. When the air outside is cooler than the inside, point the fan so that it blows into the room. When the temperature outside becomes warmer than the inside, turn the fan around so that it blows the hot air out of the room.

Fan Direction and Rotation

If you are using a ceiling fan, ensure that it is rotating counter-clockwise during hot weather. This will help draw up the cooler air and force the top layer of hot air to stay in place.

Combining Fans with Other Methods

Fans can be combined with other cooling methods to maximise their effectiveness. For example, you can combine a ceiling fan with an AC unit to reduce energy consumption and make the AC unit more effective. Similarly, you can place a bucket of ice or a large frozen water bottle covered with a damp cloth in front of a tower fan to create a homemade AC unit.

When Not to Use a Fan

It is important to note that fans are only effective up to a certain indoor temperature, usually around 95 °F. If the indoor temperature exceeds this, fans can actually work against you and cause your body to gain heat. Therefore, it is recommended to only use a fan when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature.

Freeze your sheets

One way to cool down your bedroom is to freeze your sheets. This method has been used for years as a way to beat the heat at night. It is a relatively straightforward process.

First, grab your sheets and pillowcase and put them into an airtight plastic bag. Ensuring that the bag is airtight is important for preventing moisture from building up on your sheets. Large-sized zip lock bags usually work well.

Next, simply throw your plastic bag in the freezer. If there isn't enough room in the freezer, you can put the bag in the fridge—your sheets just won't be quite as cold.

Wait 20 minutes or so for your sheets to get nice and cold. Then, take your sheets out of the freezer and put them back on your bed.

Although the effects of this method are short-lived, it is a quick way to bring down your body temperature and get you in the right physiological state for sleep.

If you don't have the time or energy to freeze your sheets, you can also try the "Egyptian method". Soak your sheets in water and wring out as much water as you can by hand or throw them in the washing machine on the spin cycle. The goal is to ensure that your sheets aren't dripping wet but are still damp. Put a large towel or blanket on top of your bed and lie down on your bed wrapped in your damp bedsheets. The water will evaporate from your sheets throughout the night, keeping you cool. By morning, your sheets should be dry.

Sleep in the basement

If you're looking to lower the temperature of your bedroom, one option is to sleep in the basement. Basements are naturally cooler than the rest of the house, but there are several things to consider before making the move downstairs.

Firstly, it's important to ensure that the basement is safe to sleep in. Basements can pose several health risks, including allergic reactions, lung cancer, carbon monoxide poisoning, and breathing difficulties. Before using the basement as a bedroom, take precautions such as testing for harmful gases like radon and carbon monoxide, installing proper lighting and ventilation, and addressing any moisture or pest issues.

If the basement passes the safety check, there are several ways to make it a comfortable and inviting space. Pay attention to lighting, ceiling, and flooring choices. Proper lighting is crucial since basements are naturally darker. Consider using various light sources such as ceiling fixtures, table lamps, and wall sconces. For the ceiling, avoid low-hanging options as they can make the room feel cramped. Go for drywall ceilings, painted or exposed ducts, or suspended ceilings to give the room a more spacious feel. As for flooring, hardwood floors, laminate, and tile are excellent choices as they offer durability and moisture resistance.

To maintain a comfortable temperature, invest in proper insulation and climate control systems. Basements are prone to moisture and humidity issues, so a dehumidifier is essential to control moisture levels and prevent mould growth. Consider installing a separate HVAC unit or extending your existing system to include the basement for proper airflow, heating, and cooling.

Finally, add personal touches to make the basement bedroom feel like your own. Opt for soft, warm lighting fixtures, neutral wall colours, and cozy textures like blankets and rugs. Incorporate mirrors to make the space feel more expansive and brighter.

By following these steps, you can create a comfortable, safe, and inviting basement bedroom to escape the heat and get a good night's sleep.

Frequently asked questions