Summers in the US are just round the corner. Climatic scientists defined June, July and August as few of the hottest months now due to global warming. North America once recorded a temperature as high as 134º F. There were extreme heat events where some parts are warm and humid and other areas are arid. In fact, the average temperature was 2.6º above normal in 2021 across the nation. All of these make it extremely necessary to keep your house cool, especially if it has plenty of North and West facing windows.
A good place to start with is to optimise the bathroom. The space gets hot after a shower due to humidity. This pertains to higher temperatures since warm air holds more moisture than cold air. The inside becomes even hotter if the ambient temperature outside is high. Smart bathroom is highly in demand to cater to luxury lifestyles in the Western countries.
North American bath remodelling market size exceeded $59 billion in 2020 and is expected to showcase a growth rate of around 4% from 2021 to 2027. This is due to surging demands for customizations and technological integrations along with aesthetically appealing solutions. If you wish to join the bandwagon and ensure a summer-friendly bathroom ambience, here’s what you may consider for optimal results.
1. Consider Vinyl Flooring
The luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) market is projected to grow from $18 billion in 2019 to $31.4 billion by 2024 recording a CAGR of 11.7% from 2019 to 2024. One of the main reasons is high durability and visual appeal which is ideal for your washroom. But what makes them truly unique is the ability to mimic wood or stone which psychologically creates an illusion of a cool perception. Further, carpets trap heat inside. Try to replace them with luxury vinyl tiles that do not absorb immense amounts of heat. Vinyl is extremely durable and waterproof as well which makes them a good choice for half-baths with sink and toilet.
2. Lower Energy Consumption
This is one of the quickest ways to ward off the heat from washrooms during summers. Below are a few techniques that you may follow routinely:
- Heated substances like bulbs can release thermal energy into the air. So, try to switch them off when not in use. Use LED lights in place of incandescent lights at night.
- Make the most of the daylight to illuminate the bathroom but avoid direct sunlight.
- Run electronic appliances like washing machines and vacuums at night since they give off heat to some extent.
- Keep the bathroom fans vented towards the outside to be able to flush out heat whenever required.
Source: https://www.energysage.com/energy-efficiency/101/ways-to-save-energy/
Look for window treatments and covers that can improve energy efficiency. For instance, shutters, awnings and plastic films on glasses are helpful during summers.
3. Get in Plants
High humidity lets plants like Claude, Hedgehog Aloe, Calathea Rattlesnake, Lancifolia and Air Plant live their best lives. Other plants that offer the much-needed relief from the outdoor heatwave are Ficus Benjamina and Chinese Evergreen. Moisture released by potted plants can maintain indoor humidity in the human comfort zone of 30-60%. They can also create a tropical feel during the summer months and improve the surrounding humidity. Ultimately, this reinforces the cooling and leaves the washroom moist and comfortable.
4. Fix Marble Countertops
Marble is a dense rock that is cold to touch on hot days. This is because it dissipates heat quickly and conducts it differently than other surfaces. Even when the rest of the home may be hot, the marbled area is relatively cold. It not only ‘feels’ cool but also ‘stays’ cool rather than warming up easily. Marble is a popular choice across the world for countertops for its long-lasting beauty, durability and wide range of colours and patterns. The added heat absorption feature makes it even more useful during summers.
5. Let in Night Air
Open up the windows at night since there is usually a nip in the air. The temperature is mostly 1-2º lower than the daytime due to radiation. There is a rise in hot air and a sinking of cool air. Here’s how it works:
Source: https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/heat
Allow the bathroom to cool down overnight paving the way for a cosy and chilled ambience. Natural cold breeze settles down easily and is an excellent way to exhaust the hot air. This leaves the space all fresh and comfortable. You can also open the windows of the rest of the house for better air circulation. But make sure to shut them the first thing in the morning since the heat starts building up.
It is vital to keep the bathroom cool since heat causes the roof to expand and warp. Shingles may break as well. So, the necessity of a cool environment extends beyond physical comfort to the safety of your home. Putting the above tips into action can be helpful.
