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Tom's Guide
07-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
Don't overwork your AC — experts say 'pre-cooling' your home is the best way to keep your energy bills low
The summer sun has well and truly arrived, and if you're depending on your air conditioning to keep your home bearable, you could also be hit with a hefty energy bill in the weeks to come. But according to expert Joseph Holman, CEO of Green Doors, there's a simple routine you can follow to significantly lower the temperature of your home, no AC needed. Even if you do have access to central air or air conditioning, this routine will heavily reduce your dependency on it — lowering your energy consumption and giving your AC a well-deserved break. It's called "pre-cooling", and it involves protecting your home from those harsh rays of sun when they're at their strongest. "The aim is to block sunlight before it enters the room, because the closer the sun's rays reach the interior, the more it heats up. Joseph Holman, CEO of sustainable door and window company Green Doors, said: 'The way you need to think about this is that you need to stop the sunlight directly entering your home as soon as possible." "The aim is to block sunlight before it enters the room, because the closer the sun's rays reach the interior, the more it heats up." This involves creating a routine where you keep windows open and curtains drawn when the air outside is cooler than it is inside, but as soon as temperatures ramp up outside, you close off your doors and windows to the effect of the sun. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. 'So, keeping a window open at night makes sense, but then you want to draw the blinds before the sunlight comes shining through the windows. You also want to close the windows in the morning too." It's a simple concept, which readers observed when we shared the "caveman method" as an effective cooling technique this summer, but there are some factors you should consider when adapting this routine to your home. This fan is the perfect companion for hot weather. It's portable, rechargeable, can be used indoors or outdoor and comes with a detachable misting tank that'll cool you down even further. In our Shark FlexBreeze review, we said: "It cools you off like a cucumber in a lux grocery store". And with a $50 saving, it's an excellent deal for such a premium product. U.K.-based readers can also pick up a great saving on the FlexBreeze when shopping direct at Shark. This £30 saving is pretty generous considering how fast fans are selling out nationwide, and it's a heatwave staple that will come in handy year after year. "If you have a window facing east, then that's going to warm up first", says Holman. So consider the windows in your home which are most likely to receive the full force of the sun in the morning, and act to keep the sun from entering them. And when it comes to choosing the right blinds to keep the sun at bay? 'The best type of blinds would be external sun louvre blinds, which is why they are so popular in hot areas like southern Italy and France. They are, however, expensive to install." "If you have a window facing east, then that's going to warm up first" 'The second-best option is integral blinds, which are inside the glazing panes themselves and are operated via a pull-down cord or magnet. They let only one layer of glass heat up, so they stop a lot of light. These, however, are again very costly." 'The cheapest and most popular option is internal thermal blinds that are installed on the inside. Honeycomb blinds are the best in this category, and considerably reduce solar heat." And when it comes to choosing the right blinds, there's more than one type to consider. You should also think carefully about the color you choose. You may think that a dark-colored blind will be most effective at keeping the sun at bay, but according to Holman, 'no matter the blinds, you need them to be white or neutral colors on the side facing the sun, to reduce the most amount of heat." 'For an even cheaper option, installing Solar Reflective Film directly onto glass panes also substantially reduces the heat. You want a house that you enjoy living in all year round, and that can be a sustainable decision."
USA Today
06-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- USA Today
What's the 'caveman method'? The strategy may keep your home cool.
As temperatures continue to ramp up across the country, some experts are advising a "caveman method" to stay cool and save on electricity bills. No, this "caveman method" is not the viral "no skincare" routine that popped up this spring. The method to keep homes cool, which stemmed from tech outlet "Tom's Guide," advises people to make their homes cave-like during the summer by keeping out sunlight that may warm up rooms. This keeps living spaces cooler and saves money, CEO of Green Doors Joseph Holman told the outlet, as air conditioning units don't have to work as hard to keep spaces chilled. Here's what to know about the "caveman method" and other ways to keep homes cool without breaking the bank this summer. Summer 2025 brings killer heat. Here are some surprising ways to stay safe What is the 'caveman method'? As the name implies, the "caveman method" is the idea that folks should keep their homes dark and cool − like a cave − during the summer to beat the heat and conserve energy. "A cave is cool in heatwaves because it is dark and doesn't have direct sunlight or a direct entrance for the heat. You want to probably mimic that," Holman told "Tom's Guide." While cave temperatures vary depending on their geographical location, depth, airflow and humidity, generally caves hover between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the online educational resource Wonderopolis. Ways to minimize the amount of sun and warmth that enters the space include: Do electric vehicles do well in heat? How high temps could affect your EV What should you set your thermostat to in the summer? The magic number is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star program recommends. This is what you should set your thermostat to when you first wake up, with up to seven degrees of leeway during the day. Energy companies in Missouri, Maryland and Florida also recommend this guidance. Keep the house warmer when you're sleeping, away When going to bed for the night, consider turning the thermostat up to four degrees, the EPA advises. Going away for a few days? The Department of Energy recommends turning the thermostat a bit higher than what you'd usually keep it at. On average, a difference of seven to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for about eight hours a day can save as much as 10% a year on cooling and heating bills. How to save money on air conditioning bills Here are some additional tips for keeping cool and saving money this summer: Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
Scottish Sun
01-07-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
‘Caveman method' is guaranteed to keep your home cool during the hot weather
HOMEOWNERS have been urged to try out the "caveman method" to keep their homes cool in the hot weather. With temperatures set to reach highs of 36C today, Brits across the nation will be doing everything they can to try to cool down. 2 It can be tricky to cool down in hot weather Credit: Getty 2 Homeowners have been urged to turn their homes into a "cave" And although purchasing a fan or making your own air conditioner may be your first thought, one expert has revealed a hack won't cost you a penny. When trying to beat the heat, your first thought might be to open the doors and windows, to let air in. However, Joseph Holman, CEO of Green Doors revealed that this is the opposite of what you should do. Treat Your Home Like A Cave The expert explained that when it is extremely hot, keeping windows and doors open will simply blow more hot air in to the house. Instead, he revealed that you should think of your house as being "like a cave." He told Tom's Guide: "A cave is cool in heatwaves because it is dark and doesn't have direct sunlight or a direct entrance for the heat. "You want to probably mimic that." To turn your home in to a cave, Joseph recommended keeping your doors, windows and curtains closed. He added: "You want to reduce sunlight and stop the movement of the outside air inside; even switching off the lights will help you with that". The expert explained that if you have air conditioning in your home, you don't open your windows and doors so as not to let the cold air out. How to keep pets safe during a heatwave In reverse, if you aren't running air conditioning, then if you have your windows and doors open, you are letting hot air in. For a longer term method to turn your home into a cave, Joseph said: "If you want to protect your home from the heat longer term, I would recommend investing in tinted film for windows to reflect the heat, as well as installing integral blinds as a smart way to control the temperature in your home. "You can install integral blinds without changing the doors and windows themselves, simply by changing the glazing units." He added: "They are a great space-saver and will last longer than external blinds, which can be damaged much more easily." How to keep cool in hot weather Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS... Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter. Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep. More Budget Hacks To Keep Cool Corey Sims at CSDB revealed that another free hack to keep you home cool is to freeze your bed sheets and pyjamas. The expert added that you can also fill a spray bottle with water, and use it to spray your curtains, which will lower the temperature of your home. "Dampen your curtains to cool the room," the expert advised toasty homeowners. "As air blows across the wet drapes, evaporating water absorbs heat and lowers the room temperature. "The hot weather also ensures the curtains dry quickly without smelling damp." If you don't have a plastic spray bottle on hand, you can pick them up from most bargain retailers.
The Sun
01-07-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
‘Caveman method' is guaranteed to keep your home cool during the hot weather
HOMEOWNERS have been urged to try out the "caveman method" to keep their homes cool in the hot weather. With temperatures set to reach highs of 36C today, Brits across the nation will be doing everything they can to try to cool down. 2 2 And although purchasing a fan or making your own air conditioner may be your first thought, one expert has revealed a hack won't cost you a penny. When trying to beat the heat, your first thought might be to open the doors and windows, to let air in. However, Joseph Holman, CEO of Green Doors revealed that this is the opposite of what you should do. Treat Your Home Like A Cave The expert explained that when it is extremely hot, keeping windows and doors open will simply blow more hot air in to the house. Instead, he revealed that you should think of your house as being "like a cave." He told Tom's Guide: "A cave is cool in heatwaves because it is dark and doesn't have direct sunlight or a direct entrance for the heat. "You want to probably mimic that." To turn your home in to a cave, Joseph recommended keeping your doors, windows and curtains closed. He added: "You want to reduce sunlight and stop the movement of the outside air inside; even switching off the lights will help you with that". The expert explained that if you have air conditioning in your home, you don't open your windows and doors so as not to let the cold air out. How to keep pets safe during a heatwave In reverse, if you aren't running air conditioning, then if you have your windows and doors open, you are letting hot air in. For a longer term method to turn your home into a cave, Joseph said: "If you want to protect your home from the heat longer term, I would recommend investing in tinted film for windows to reflect the heat, as well as installing integral blinds as a smart way to control the temperature in your home. "You can install integral blinds without changing the doors and windows themselves, simply by changing the glazing units." He added: "They are a great space-saver and will last longer than external blinds, which can be damaged much more easily." How to keep cool in hot weather Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS... Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter. Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep. More Budget Hacks To Keep Cool Corey Sims at CSDB revealed that another free hack to keep you home cool is to freeze your bed sheets and pyjama s. The expert added that you can also fill a spray bottle with water, and use it to spray your curtains, which will lower the temperature of your home. "Dampen your curtains to cool the room," the expert advised toasty homeowners. "As air blows across the wet drapes, evaporating water absorbs heat and lowers the room temperature. "The hot weather also ensures the curtains dry quickly without smelling damp." If you don't have a plastic spray bottle on hand, you can pick them up from most bargain retailers.
The Irish Sun
01-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
‘Caveman method' is guaranteed to keep your home cool during the hot weather
HOMEOWNERS have been urged to try out the "caveman method" to keep their homes cool in the hot weather. With , Brits across the nation will be doing everything they can to try to . Advertisement 2 It can be tricky to cool down in hot weather Credit: Getty 2 Homeowners have been urged to turn their homes into a "cave" And although purchasing a fan or making your own may be your first thought, one expert has revealed a hack won't cost you a penny. When trying to beat the heat, your first thought might be to open the doors and windows, to let air in. However, Joseph Holman, CEO of Green Doors revealed that this is the opposite of what you should do. Treat Your Home Like A Cave The expert explained that when it is extremely hot, keeping windows and doors open will simply blow more hot air in to the house. Advertisement Read more hot weather stoties Instead, he revealed that you should think of your house as being "like a cave." He told : "A cave is cool in heatwaves because it is dark and doesn't have direct sunlight or a direct entrance for the heat. " You want to probably mimic that." To turn your home in to a cave, Joseph recommended keeping your doors, windows and curtains closed. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive He added: "You want to reduce sunlight and stop the movement of the outside air inside; even switching off the lights will help you with that". The expert explained that if you have air conditioning in your home, you don't open your windows and doors so as not to let the cold air out. How to keep pets safe during a heatwave In reverse, if you aren't running air conditioning, then if you have your windows and doors open, you are letting hot air in. For a longer term method to turn your home into a cave, Joseph said: "If you want to protect your home from the heat longer term, I would recommend investing in tinted film for windows to reflect the heat, as well as installing integral blinds as a smart way to control the temperature in your home. Advertisement "You can install integral blinds without changing the doors and windows themselves, simply by changing the glazing units." He added: "They are a great space-saver and will last longer than external blinds, which can be damaged much more easily." How to keep cool in hot weather Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS... Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter. Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep. More Budget Hacks To Keep Cool Corey Sims at revealed that another free hack to keep you home cool is to The expert added that you can also fill a spray bottle with water, and use it to spray your curtains, which will lower the temperature of your home. Advertisement "Dampen your curtains to cool the room," the expert advised toasty homeowners. "As air blows across the wet drapes, evaporating water absorbs heat and lowers the room temperature. "The hot weather also ensures the curtains dry quickly without smelling damp." If you don't have a plastic spray bottle on hand, you can pick them up from most bargain retailers. Advertisement
