A shed can be a private area for relaxation and enjoyment of cool weather.
However, sheds can become unbearable in the summer heat if climate control measures have not been implemented beforehand. Even spare rooms that dont get the same level of air conditioning as the rest of your home can be stifling in summer. If this sounds familiar, its worth taking some steps to lower the room temperature. This can be your pet project this summer season.
If you want to tackle this problem, here are some ideas on how to cool a room or shed during hot weather.
Check the Windows and Doors
The windows and doors of a room or shed are primarily for ventilation, even before beauty and viewpoint. Check if the room or shed has enough windows to allow for ventilation and incoming fresh air.
Ideally, you want windows to be placed in such a way that a roof overhang prevents a large amount of direct sunlight from spilling into the space. Check if your window has this sort of placement. If it does, thats a step in the right direction. If not, you may need to look at adding another window on another side of the structure.
Instead of relocating windows, you can also add overhanging awnings, shades, curtains, or blinds. You can also glaze windows to slow down heat absorption from the sun rays.
Go for Fans
Fans can increase airflow in a room due to the speed of the rotation. There are different types of fans you can use. The most popular types are standing fans and ceiling fans.
A standing fan or a floor fan only needs to be plugged in, turned on, and youre good to go. A ceiling fan, on the other hand, will require installation. A ceiling fan can cool the room from the inside. The larger the room or shed, the more ceiling fans you can install.
If the room or shed is not connected to an electrical source, you can use a rechargeable ceiling fan or a solar panel-powered fan. This will save you the effort of hooking up to the electrical circuit to cool your room.
Buy an Air Conditioning Unit
Even though fans increase the air in a room or shed, they are unable to actually cool the air before distributing it. This means that, instead of receiving cool air, you might have blasts of warm air. An air conditioning unit can solve this by cooling down a room to the desired temperature before distributing more cool air across the entire room.
You can also get PTACs (Package terminal air conditioners) for your room or shed. You may already be familiar with this type of air conditioner from hotel rooms – they’re typically installed within a wall sleeve (meaning they take up less floor space), and are wide and sleek.
The Power of Roof Vents
Roof ventilation is a natural way of improving ventilation in a house or a shed. Proper ventilation can dramatically reduce the heat in any space.
Generally, cross ventilation is the best option to implement within a roof design to cool a space efficiently. Basically, it will open up a gap on either side which will allow cooler air to flow in, and hotter air to flow out the opposite side. The same effect can be achieved with windows on either side of a structure.
Increase Insulation
Insulators are materials that are used to absorb heat in a room or shed. Whenever you use insulation, heat in the room is absorbed and the temperature is lowered. Just as insulation in the walls of your home helps to keep it comfortable, you can use heat-absorbing materials in a spare room or a shed.
There are different types of insulators that you can use. There’s spray-on insulation that is perfect for use in a shed. You can also use concrete insulation or structural insulated pads called SIPs. Which option makes sense for you will vary depending on your climate, local building codes, and the size of the space – contact a contractor in your area to get more information.
Conclusion
You don’t have to simply endure the summer heat – you can fight back against it. There are several solutions available ranging from creating the best circumstances for proper ventilation, to using a fan, installing an air conditioning unit, or using heat insulators. Instead of stressing about the heat, choose any of these and enjoy the summer in style.