As the mercury climbs and the heat gets real, you might be tempted to indulge in the latest cooling technology. But the irony is that, flipping on the switch to cool the rooms in your home only hastens the process of global warming – the reason for earth’s rising temperature. Of course, that is not to say you should ditch your expensive air conditioner (AC) that you’ve invested a good amount of money in. In fact, I am guilty of using it as a quick and convenient way to cool my bedroom. But recently, I discovered there are ways to cool my home that could potentially save the earth and my wallet. So, before you go hitting that switch, you might want to try some of these ideas.

Cross-ventilate your home

We all know the drill for the days when we hide inside our homes to keep ourselves cool from the heat outdoors: close the windows, shut the doors, grab the AC remote. But maybe it's time to break the routine and crack open those windows – especially if you've got a pair of windows or doors that are facing each other. That's when you can bring in some cross ventilation magic.

Simply open a window on the windy side and let the breeze find its way out through the opposing window or door. It's a simple trick that swaps out the stale, hot air with fresh, cool exterior wind. The best part? It won't cost you a cent, and you'll be doing your part to save the planet.

Slap on a solar film

If you're anything like me, you probably prefer taking in the view from your home instead of staring at long, dark curtains which are drawn close to keep the sun out. What if there’s a way to enjoy the view while blocking out the glare and keeping your room cool all at the same time? Seriously, there's no beating the option of getting yourself a solar film. You can either have the pros put it on for you, or you can snag a roll of self-adhesive film for DIY.

You’ve got options when it comes to different levels of total solar energy rejected (TSER) – that’s the fancy term for how much sun-blocking power a tinting system has. Choose the one that fits your needs, striking that perfect balance between blocking out the sun while still being able to soak in the view. As solar films also help to keep the room cool, there is less heat to fight, so if you choose to turn on your AC, it will consume less power.  A win-win situation for both the earth and your wallet.

Build your own “AC”

We all know turning on the AC isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and if you happen to be AC-less, don’t sweat it! You can unleash your creativity and DIY skills by creating your very own cooling system.

All you need are some disposable bottles, water, and salt. Fill those bottles up with water and add 3 tablespoons of salt to each bottle, put them in the freezer, and once they’re nice and icy, place them in front of a fan. There you go! You’ve got yourself a makeshift AC that cools the surrounding air. Once the ice has melted and the cooling effect has diminished, refreeze the bottles for the next time.  You can reuse those bottles repeatedly, making this a sustainable and effective solution for keeping the room cool.

Whip out your portable fans

Portable fans are a total game-changer when it comes to battling Singapore’s heat. Whether it's those cool pedestal ones or the handy little table versions, they're like precious treasures on hot days. If you're after an energy-efficient fix and like me, the freedom to enjoy better airflow wherever I am, investing in one of these is the way to go. It's all about sustainability and making life easier. Some of these fans are so compact that you can take them on the move with you even when you step outdoors. Talk about portable power!

Invest in a dehumidifier

When it’s scorching hot and humid, our bodies scream for relief. In Singapore, high humidity sticks around all year long, and because it messes with our bodies’ ability to sweat and cool down properly, it makes you feel even hotter than it actually is. It’s a real buzzkill.

A dehumidifier would do the trick to ease the discomfort. Of course, it won’t directly bring down the ambient temperature like an AC, but it works its magic by restoring a more comfortable humidity level. Pair it up with some fans, and you’ve got yourself a winning combo that’ll make you feel cooler.

There you have it. Five tips on how to keep your home cool when the heat gets unbearable. Ditch the remote and give your AC a break. Let’s show some love to Mother Earth and embrace sustainable alternatives where possible. If we all work together to save energy or explore natural ways to beat the heat, we’ll ensure a livable world in years to come.

Of course, with all that’s done to cool your room, the number one rule to combat the heat is to make sure you stay hydrated. Taking care of yourself is crucial, and staying cool can help you avoid  trips to the doctor for heat-related issues.

Whether it's scorching hot or pouring rain in Singapore, it's also smart to protect your house from dangers like fires, floods, and theft with insurance. In fact, if you're a first-time homebuyer, we highly recommend checking out our article. It offers valuable advice on budgeting for and insuring your home, assisting you in managing the stress and worries that can arise when buying a house for the first time.

Bonus tip: If these suggestions don’t float your boat and you need a working space with the cool comfort of the AC but less of the global warming guilt factor, you might want to think about ditching the work-from-home setup and heading over to the office instead.