SPF your house over summer
When those super hot summer days and nights eventually come around, all you will want is a safe haven to save you from the heat. These are a few steps you can take to stay cool when the weather heats up.
• Make sure your ceilings are insulated - insulation can help keep out the suns heat
• Set your ceiling fans to rotate anti-clockwise.
• Turn your fans around, face them towards an open window so they can blow the hot air out of the house. Fill a mixing bowl with ice (or something equally cold, like an ice pack), and position it at an angle in front of a large fan so the air whips off the ice in an extra-chilled, extra-misty state. Trust us: It’s magic.
• If you have a heat pump, try out the fan-only or dehumidifier options to cool your house. They use less power than air conditioning and are still effective.
• Keep the windows open overnight and then close them in the morning to try and hold in the cold air.
• Install safety catches on your windows so you can leave them open all day, even when you're out.
• Close blinds or curtains to keep sunlight out during the hottest hours of the day, especially on windows that get direct sun. Some blinds are designed to let you see out, but still block most of the direct UV rays. As simple as this tip may seem, closing your curtains and blinds essentially prevents your home from becoming a miniature greenhouse.
• Turn off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances – this reduces a home's heat load.
• When cooking, keep windows open, put lids on saucepans and use an extractor fan to reduce steam and heat.
• Ventilate – keep doors or windows open at opposite ends of the house to create a through-draught, or cross ventilation.
• Closing off unused rooms will prevent cool air from permeating these areas during the hottest part of the day. You’ll want to capitalize on the cooler night hours, too, letting air flow naturally through your home.
• Start the barbie - It’s obvious, but we’re going to say it anyway: using your oven or stove in the summer will make your house hotter. If it already feels like 50 degrees in your home, the last thing you want to do is turn on an oven.
• Make a few long-term improvements - you can make a couple changes to your home that will keep it cooler for seasons to come. Insulated window films, for example, are a smart purchase as they work similarly to blinds. And additions like awnings and planting trees or vines near light-facing windows will shield your home from the sun’s rays, reduce the amount of heat your home absorbs and make your investment even more worthwhile.
Hopefully these were of some use to you, and if you have anything to add or any comments please do below!
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.5% Yes
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8.1% No
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0.4% Other - I'll share below!
TRANSFORM YOUR MASTER BEDROOM INTO A LUXURIOUS OASIS WITH THESE 7 DECOR ITEMS
Hi Neighbours,
Your master bedroom is your sanctuary – the ultimate escape from a long day’s work and stress.
But, have you ever felt like something was missing in your master bedroom décor?
That extra touch of luxury that elevates it from just another room to a space fit for royalty?
We’ve compiled a list of seven luxurious items that will transform your master bedroom into the oasis of your dreams.
To achieve a luxurious look in your master bedroom, several must-have items can elevate the overall decor.
Here are seven suggestions for your master bedroom decor and layout:
Statement Bedframe. Invest in a luxurious and visually striking bedframe as the centrepiece of your bedroom. Choose a design that complements your master bedroom decor and overall aesthetic, such as an upholstered headboard or a wooden frame, for a sleek and modern platform bed.
High-Quality Bedding. Opt for high-quality bedding materials like Tencel to add a touch of luxury and comfort. Choose soft and plush duvet covers, pillowcases, and sheets in neutral or rich colours to create a sophisticated look.
Plush Pillows and Throws. Add layers of comfort and style with plush pillows and cozy throws. Opt for bamboo gel, natural silk, or cotton pillows to create visual interest and enhance the luxurious ambience.
Mirrors. Introduce large, decorative mirrors or a dresser and mirror combo to reflect light and create the illusion of a more spacious room. Choose dresser and mirror combos with beautiful frames that match your overall master bedroom decor style.
Stylish Seating Area. If you have enough space, create a cozy seating area for your master bedroom decor and layout. Include a comfortable armchair or lift-powered recliner to suit your contemporary or traditional style. Use luxurious fabrics and textures for the upholstery, and consider adding a decorative accent pillow or a faux fur throw for added comfort.
Bedside Furniture. They help to give the room a more polished and finished look. When choosing end tables or nightstands for your master bedroom decor, look for ones made from high-quality materials such as solid NZ Pine.
Tallboy. This piece of furniture not only adds practical storage solutions but also provides an elegant and sophisticated look that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your room. Choose one made from solid NZ pine, engineered wood, or pine veneer.
Your master bedroom is your oasis away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
So how can you transform it into a place where you can relax and unwind in luxury?
With beds and mattresses from Beds4U!
In addition, we have luxurious bedding items that feature materials of the highest quality.
Contact us to create your dream master bedroom today.
Know Thy Neighbour? We are getting there!
We are loving seeing everyone's posts about themselves on our Know Thy Neighbour page.
Check out the neighbours in your area, you might find a walking group or choir to join and you might learn a few more neighbours names!
Feel like getting involved? Introduce yourself too, you might win one of our $50 Prezzy® card spot prizes...
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