Summer is a great time to get out and work on the projects you’ve been lining up. Problems arise when it’s hot outside, making your studio too hot to enjoy what you’re doing.
The world has seen record-high temperatures during the last few summers, so you may wonder how to beat the heat while still enjoying the season. Follow these seven tips for keeping your studio cool this summer.
1. Insulation Check
If you want to keep cool this summer, one of the first things you should monitor is the insulation of your studio. A properly insulated building will keep hot air from entering and prevent cool air from escaping. Installing a reflective insulation system can help lower the amount of radiant heat in your room.
Another way to improve your insulation is to take care of any cracks. You can achieve cooler temperatures by caulking cracks in the frames of your doors and windows, for example. Your studio will be cooler, and you’ll save money on your utility bills because well-insulated homes are more energy efficient and better for the environment.
2. Cleaned Garage
Another relatively quick solution for a cooler room is to remove the clutter from your studio. If you have boxes and other large items, they’ll keep your garage hot by retaining heat and preventing airflow throughout the room. Move the items to another room, such as the basement, attic, or an unused room. Or you could take them to a storage facility if there’s one near you and you want to rent a unit.
For the boxes you keep in the studio, avoid placing them in front of windows and doors because this will prevent good airflow. A clean floor and open area in your garage will provide a cooler room. Decluttering your studio may have positive mental health effects, too.
3. Air Conditioners
An air-conditioning unit is one of the best and most convenient ways to keep your studio cool during the summer. With modern technology, there are multiple types of units you can utilize. You can use the classic window unit if you can plug in the device with electricity.
A window air conditioner helps cool a single room, such as your studio. Another good option, especially if you don’t have a window or a central air system, is a portable air conditioner.
4. Blackout Curtains
If you want to lower the temperature, an easy method is to set up blackout curtains on your windows. These curtains will sacrifice natural light, but they can be effective if you want to use artificial lighting instead.
The fabric of blackout curtains is tightly woven, which means the sun’s rays have difficulty getting through to your interior. The curtains reflect the outside light (and the heat), leading to a cooler room.
5. LED Bulbs
If you’re going to use artificial light instead of natural light, pick light-emitting diode (LED) lights for your studio. LED bulbs are cooler than their incandescent counterparts because they do not emit as much heat. These bulbs use less energy than incandescent or compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.
LED lights may be more expensive up front, but they will last longer than CFLs or incandescents. If your studio uses LED lights, you’ll see long-term savings from bulbs that last longer and use less energy while keeping your garage cool.
6. Fan and a Bucket of Ice
If you need a quick fix, this is an idea you could do in your studio right now. Fill a bucket with ice and place it in front of a fan, such as a box fan. Ice will absorb the heat as it melts, so it will cool the air. Then the fan will spread the air throughout the room.
Be mindful that this method will only work as long as there is ice. Refill the bucket with ice as it melts. Instead of using ice from your freezer, getting a large bag of ice may be helpful to reduce the number of times you have to refill the ice bucket.
7. Plants
Another excellent option for cooling your studio is adding some houseplants to the space. This is an easy, inexpensive way to lower the temperature while adding aesthetics. Plants release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration. They undergo transpiration in warmer temperatures, so the water released will cool the air around them.
Another way to use plants to cool your studio is by shading. If possible, place a tree or bush next to the window. Shading can reduce the temperature inside by as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Blocking sunlight before it reaches the window is one of the most efficient ways to keep your house cool. Consider using plants to your advantage.
Cooling the Studio This Summer
When the summer comes, you want to get started on those designs and activities you have planned. The hot weather can be a hindrance in your studio, though. Take some steps to make your workspace cooler, whether you declutter the floor, install an air conditioner, or install LED lights.
A cooler workstation is a much more enjoyable place to work for long periods. You’ll feel more comfortable and productive when you’re not constantly thinking about the heat.