With temperatures set to rise during the hot and dry season in Singapore, keeping cool is a prime concern. Fret not, here are 50 tips to help you combat the heat while keeping your living spaces comfortable and stylish.
With temperatures set to rise during the hot and dry season in Singapore, keeping cool is a prime concern. Fret not, here are 50 tips to help you combat the heat while keeping your living spaces comfortable and stylish.
1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT AIR - CON FOR YOUR HOME
In sunny Singapore, the air-conditioner is a must-have in every household! With a wide selection on the market, how do you determine the right type for your home?
Experts at LG explain that “inverter air-conditioners are the preferred choice as they achieve desired temperature more quickly, are quieter, and draw less power compared to conventional models.”
There are many types of multi-split system air-cons, and their suitability depends on factors including the size of the home and frequency of use. For example, System Two – two units of air-conditioner to a condenser – is ideal for a three-room flat with the air-con units installed in two bedrooms, or in the master bedroom and living room.
LG Artcool Platinum Series
Designed with tempered glass, the LG Artcool Platinum series provides clean air through five features – filtering, deodorising, eliminating, ionising, and auto cleaning – to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in the air.
Samsung Five Ticks multi-split air-con with built-in Wi-Fi
This is Singapore’s first multi-split system with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to operate the appliance while on the go. It also comes with Samsung’s air-con air-purifying technology, which can also be controlled with the Samsung Smart Home App.
Daikin Five Ticks Smile Series
Having been awarded the Good Design Award, the Daikin Five Ticks Smile Series carries stylish and compact models that are perfect for tiny homes – even the outdoor units are compact enough to be installed through narrow windows.
All air-conditioning units mentioned are available at major electrical stores.
2. UNPLUG UNUSED GADGETS AT NIGHT
Any eco article out there will probably tell you to unplug your gadgets when they’re not in use, to save electricity and money. Also bear in mind that gadgets that are plugged in continue to consume energy even when fully charged, so the excess energy turns into heat, which is released into the surrounding area. Your gadgets also produce blue light that suppresses melatonin production, which helps regulate sleep. So do your body a favour, and reduce your exposure to blue light at night.
3. COOL AND CLEAN THE AIR AT THE SAME TIME
The Dyson Pure Cool Link purifier fan utilises the brand’s patented air multiplier technology to circulate and cool surrounding air. The machine is said to remove 99.95 percent of indoor allergens, and pollutants as small as 0.1 microns. Its 360-degree, vacuum-sealed glass Hepa filter and layer of activated carbon granules capture odours, harmful toxins and cigarette smoke.
4. USE CEILING FANS TO CIRCULATE COOL AIR
Haiku’s ceiling fans are three times more energy-efficient as compared to typical fan motors, and are totally silent thanks to the brand’s patented DC motors. The built-in motion sensors automatically turn the machine on or off when you enter or leave the room. They’re stylish, too, and are available in wood-look finishes.
5. USE FANCY ICE CUBES
Instead of putting plain ice cubes into your drink, use slices of fruit and berries frozen in water. This way, you’ll get plenty of flavour in a chilled glass. You can also freeze citrus-infused water with fresh fruit juice – for colour and taste. It’s all about having fun, despite the heat!
6. INSTALL WINDOW SHUTTERS THAT KEEP THE HEAT OUT
Choose the right sun shading and window treatment systems, which help to keep the heat out by shielding against harsh sunlight. Wooden shutters from Sunleaf Shutters can do just that, while filtering sufficient light through the louvres. The hardwood material acts as a natural insulator against the heat, so your home will be kept cool.
7. SET YOUR FANS TO ROTATE COUNTER-CLOCKWISE
“A counter-clockwise movement circulates cool air down to the floor, where it wicks perspiration away from your body. This creates a wind-chill effect,” says Eric Tay, founder of fan manufacturer Acorn. The Fantastique AC-326 (pictured), is just one of many Acorn designs that include a counter-clockwise function.
8. PUT ON AN EYE MASK
… but pop it in the fridge before use. A cold eye mask – whether it’s a sheet or gel one – not only reduces puffiness in the morning, but it is also a respite for tired eyes.
9. CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIAL TO WEAR
On a warm, sunny day, linen clothing is your best bet. Choose from Muji’s latest French Linen collection that’s soft and light to the touch. Linen fibres and weaves allow for more airflow with high permeability, and are less likely to cling to the skin. The material removes perspiration from the body effectively as it absorbs moisture easily and dries out quickly.
10. MAKE COOLING MISTS
Think of a cooling spray as air-conditioning in a bottle! Include witch hazel and peppermint, which are naturally cooling. Mix them together with aloe vera, which is soothing and anti-inflammatory without being oily.
Formula:
• ¼ cup aloe vera gel or aloe vera plant extract in ¼ cup distilled water
• ¼ cup witch hazel
• 2 to 3 drops peppermint essential oil
Combine all in a glass spray bottle and shake or stir until well mixed, before spraying on your face or wherever you need to refresh. Mind your eyes, though, as it may sting!
11. DO LAUNDRY AT NIGHT
The afternoon sun may hasten the drying process when you’re putting clothes out to dry, but it’s not as kind to your skin. One solution is to invest in a dryer, but if space is a concern, go for a space-saving washer-dryer. Samsung’s WD12 front-load washer-dryer is compact, but packs a punch – it offers up to 12kg and 8kg of capacity for washing and drying, respectively. Its Eco Bubble technology uses bubbles for a more thorough yet gentle wash, while the Air Wash uses heated air to remove odours and bacteria. Best of all, it doesn’t make a lot of noise, thanks to its 3-D Vibration Sensor.
12. GO ORGANIC WITH ALOE VERA
Sunburns are common, and aloe vera gel – kept in the fridge for an extra cooling effect – makes for a soothing antidote for sore burns. You can also freeze the gel in an ice-cube tray and rub the cubes over affected areas. If your aloe vera gel is edible, add a squeeze or two into a glass of water.
13. SLEEP ON A COOL MATTRESS
Much like athletic wear, the new Tempur Hybrid Luxe mattress features a moisture-wicking, heat-absorbing fabric to keep you dry and cool as you sleep. This Cool Touch technology, along with a material that relieves pressure points and a removable and washable cover, will give you the quality shut-eye you need.
14. PAMPER YOUR SELF WITH A COLD SHOWER
Nothing beats the heat better than a refreshing cold shower. Typically larger and wider than a traditional showerhead, rainshowers spray water from directly above you, resulting in a rhythm of water droplets that envelop your entire body. Here are five luxurious rainshowers to choose from.
Cristina TV 457
This minimalist chrome-plated rainshower by Italian brand Cristina Rubinetterie features a thermostatic mixer, so you’ll be sure of your desired temperature as you shower. The anti-lime handshower also means no unsightly chalky stains; it’ll look pristine, always! It is available at Bathroom Gallery.
25 Waterworks by THG Paris
This rainshower system by French luxury fittings brand THG is ideal for those who want an industrial yet chic look in their bathrooms. Its lever handles sport elegant lines, while the handshower gives you an additional option without the bulk. It also features hard-water and limescale protection.
Dornbracht Big Rain
Aptly called the Big Rain, this shower panel features an impressive 36cm by 28cm shower outlet. It also comes with a smaller outlet that targets the head, neck, and face areas – switch on both modes at once for a truly luxurious shower experience.
Hansgrohe Crometta and Shower Select
Pair the minimalist Hansgrohe Shower Select thermostat with the Crometta hand shower, which pampers you with soft rain shower, as well as intense rain modes. Use the thermostat to activate both overhead and handheld Cromettas, as well as customise your desired temperature and pressure. Its scratch-proof glass is easy to clean, too.
Kohler Katalyst Air Showerhead
To mimic a rainfall experience, the Kohler showerhead features large nozzles that deliver fuller and heavier water droplets. Its Katalyst technology uses an air induction system to make each drop feel even bigger – resulting in a dense yet gentle water delivery without using a lot of water. It is available in three designs.
15. DESIGN YOUR HOME WITH SURFACING MATERIALS THAT ARE COOL TO THE TOUCH
Go for surfacing materials in light and pale shades, as they reflect light and therefore absorb less heat. Consider these stylish materials:
Dekton ultra-compact surface
Cosentino’s Dekton is a versatile and durable large-format material that can be used for worktops, flooring, and cladding for both interiors and exteriors. It comes in three thicknesses to suit different application requirements.
Natural stone
The thermal conductivity of marble is considerably high, and dissipates heat quickly to leave it feeling cold. Hafary offers numerous types of beautiful marble, apart from other stone surfaces.
Porcelain tiles
Not only are tiles hardy, but these days you can get them in many designs to suit all kinds of interiors. Rice offers quality tiles with interesting designs from Italy, including eco-friendly and antibacterial ones.
16. EAT SPICY FOOD
Ever heard of the saying “fight fire with fire”? According to scientists, eating spicy food will force your body to bring your temperature down to match the room temperature – in a phenomenon known as Gustatory facial sweating. Time to stock up on Tabasco sauce!
17. USE GLASS THAT SHIELDS AGAINST HEAT
Local glass fabricating company Singapore Safety Glass has created a thermochromic glass called Varishield. The glass panes tint when exposed to heat from the sun, helping to reduce glare and heat entering the home by 65 per cent. This lightens the load on air-conditioning systems, too, as heat does not get trapped in the home.
18. CHOOSE BED LINEN MADE FROM CELLULOSE - BASED FIBRES
Cellulose-based (or natural-source regenerated) fibres include bamboo and Tencel, and fabrics made from these are breathable, soft and smooth. The Grand Atelier Premium Collection bamboo sheets, available at Takashimaya and Tangs, are made of a highly absorbent and breathable material that wicks moisture away for a comfortable night’s sleep. Another option is naturally occurring fibres, such as cotton and linen. Choose these over bed linen made using synthetic fibres, which score less on comfort and breathability, even though they are more durable.
19. COOL DOWN WITH A RELAXING SOAK
When you create a spa experience at home, you’ll forget how hot it is outside. Fill these stylish tubs with cool water and have a good, long soak.
Victoria + Albert Napoli
Inspired by an eggshell, the Napoli bath is sleek and spacious, with a low-slung profile that allows users to get in and out of the tub easily. Made of naturally white and glossy – as well as easy-to-clean – Quarrycast material, this freestanding bath embodies the “less is more” look perfectly.
Villeroy & Boch Squaro Edge 12
Made of Quaryl – a mix of quartz and acrylic – this tub maintains the temperature of water longer so there’s no need for refills. The Squaro Edge 12 sports a slim silhouette, with a rim only 1.2cm thick, and is available in a kaleidoscope of colours, including a slate grey hue called Ocean.
Duravit Paiova
Duravit’s tub combines form and function to great effect. Featuring back slopes (or foot rests) in two angles – 40 and 46 degrees – you can relax and submerge yourself on whichever side you find most comfortable. The trapezoidal shape allows space for two users, too.
20. USE ESSENTIAL OILS
Remedy the heat with minty essential oils, such as peppermint or eucalyptus. Apply a dab of these all-natural essences (available from essential oil cultivator Young Living) on your neck for an icy sensation, or add a few drops into an aroma diffuser. Muji’s diffuser (pictured) produces a cool mist, which enhances the aromatheraphy effect.
21. QUENCH YOUR THIRST WITH LEMONADE
Try these lemonade recipes, which serve five each:
• Prepare basic lemonade by squeezing the juice of six lemons into a jug. Add 2 to 3 cups of water and ¼ cup of sugar, and stir until sugar dissolves.
• For a tropical-inspired beverage, add 180ml of pineapple juice, 180ml of apricot nectar, and 350ml of ginger ale into your basic lemonade.
• For a minty cooler, add ½ cup of mint leaves and 350ml of club soda to the basic lemonade.
• For a spritzy strawberry and basil taste, add 2 to 3 cups of chopped strawberries and a handful of chopped basil. Leave for 15 minutes for the lemonade to soak up the basil flavour. Add plenty of ice, and garnish with lemon slices.
22. USE A BED-COOLING SYSTEM
Ucoolz is an online company set up in 2011 that specialises in designing cooling products for Singapore’s hot climate. Its bestseller is the Bamboo Charcoal Cotton Mat with Digital Temperature Control set that you can place on your bed, mattress and even your car to cool you down at any time. It works by continuously circulating cold water through a pump attached, which has to be changed every few months. The Ucoolz mattress pad is part of a green environment initiative to cut the rate of global warming by reducing the need for air-conditioning.
23. OPT FOR A PILLOW THAT DOESN’T RETAIN HEAT
The head is the warmest part of your body, so by cooling your head, it calms the body – which, in turn, cools you down. Latex is a natural polymer and is more effective in preventing moisture and heat absorption. King Koil’s 100-per-cent latex pillow with cooling properties will not only keep you cool, but also support you by conforming to your head and neck.
24. ENJOY A NATURAL COOL BREEZE
Laze on a hammock in a breezy and shaded spot at home, such as the balcony. Airmocks’ Zen Deluxe range of hammocks is made of 100-per-cent polyester; this breathable material keeps it cool to the touch and does not trap heat.
25. KEEP YOUR BLINDS CLOSED
Reduce the amount of heat and sunlight from entering your home by installing blinds and keeping them closed during sunny afternoons. You can draw the blinds (curtains too) when the sun goes down – this allows extra heat to escape, and cooler night air to ventilate your home.
26. PREVENT COOL AIR FROM ESCAPING
While air-conditioning is the easiest way to lower a room’s temperature, it’s not the cheapest. Having it work harder, due to cool air escaping the room, means ending up with an expensive bill. Ensure that windows are properly sealed, and doors are closed, to maximise the use of air-cons. Hire a professional HVAC technician to determine if your home is leaking air.
27. KNOW WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR FRIDGE
The Warranty Group shares some tips:
• Is the freezer too cold? Is the fridge warm? Watch out for excessive ice build-up in the freezer compartment, and condensation in the fridge. Note that the ideal freezer temperature is -18 deg C, while the fridge should be 3 to 5 deg C.
• Put a sheet of paper between the seals when you close the door. If you’re able to pull it out easily, the seals are probably loose. A quick fix is to buy kid-proof straps to ensure that the fridge door shuts properly.
• Check for unusual sounds.
• Look out for water pooling around the fridge.
Maintain a fridge easily with the Love Home programme. It covers all repairs and replacements of your fridge for an annual fee of $399. Find out more at http://www.homeanddecor.com.sg/lovehome
28. INVEST IN A DURABLE AND QUALITY FRIDGE
A good fridge will not only keep your food cool and fresh, but also help you save money. Samsung’s Twin Cooling Plus refrigerator (choose from three sizes) brings modern technology into your home, while saving energy. By cooling the fridge and freezer compartments separately, it provides the optimal environment for your food. Bonus: It comes with a 10-year warranty.
29. USE OUTDOOR SHADING
It may be hot outside, but that doesn’t mean you have to hide indoors all day. If you have a balcony or patio, make the most of it. Just install a trellis or pergola that provides shade from the sun, as well as rain. At Absolut Outdoors, you can choose from either composite wood, natural wood or galvanised steel for the structure, and polycarbonate and aluminium composite panels for the top. You can even add creeping plants, or other greenery, to beautify it!
30. KEEP YOUR HOME WELL VENTILATED
In order to have good air flow, you need two opposite openings in a room to create an air tunnel. From your floor plan, you can work out how the air might flow through your home (take note that air does not cut across hard angles), so do not install partitions or other structures that would inhibit good circulation. While this should have been done at the renovation stage, what you can do at any point is to frequently air out your home simply by opening the windows and doors. Use fans, if needed, to help with pushing stagnant hot air and dust out, to allow fresh air in.
31. DRINK BARLEY FOR A COOLING EFFECT
Try this traditional Chinese cooling recipe by Hockhua Tonic:
Ingredients
30g China barley, 15g winter melon strips, 25g refined sugar, 5g pandan leaf, water
Preparation
1) Rinse and soak the barley in hot water. Keep refrigerated overnight.
2) Remove barley from the refrigerator the next day and pour away any waste water.
3) Add 700ml of fresh water, the winter melon strips and refined sugar to a pot, and boil for an hour (use only a medium or low flame).
4) Keep stirring to keep ingredients from getting burnt.
5) Add the pandan leaf after an hour of cooking, and boil for another 10 minutes, then serve.
32. USE ENERGY - SAVING BULBS
In incandescent light bulbs, electricity is converted to heat in the tungsten, which mean more heat is dissipated as compared to LED options. Swop incandescent bulbs at home with LED ones – they’re also more energy-efficient and last longer as they require less electricity to produce the same light output. “Look out for the energy label on the light bulb packaging. Bulbs with a three-tick rating
33. INSTALL AN EXHAUST FAN IN YOUR BATHROOM TO REMOVE STEAM
Your bathroom would usually be the hottest and most humid area in your home, especially after a shower. Remove the steam, hot air and odour by installing an exhaust fan. This will also help to prevent mould from forming and causing health-related issues.
34. CHOOSE HEAT-REFLECTIVE PAINT
Coat the exterior of your house with heat reflective paint to keep the interiors cool. Dulux Weathershield paint is able to reduce surface temperature by up to 5 deg C with its high solar reflectance property, offering better indoor thermal comfort. This translates to up to 15 per cent of energy savings per annum for a two-storey bungalow too!
35. COOL DOWN WITH AN ICE-COLD
Nothing beats sipping on a delicious homemade smoothie on a hot day. A trusty ice blender can do the job for you – just drop all your ingredients in and blend well!
The strong 450-watt motor and durable serrated knives in Bosch’s MMB12P4RGB make it easy to blend any ingredient. Its BPA-free plastic also makes food preparation safe. Plus, it’s easy to clean as the jug, lid, measuring cup and accessories are all dishwasher-safe!
To match your retro-style kitchen – or if you simply love the vintage look – Smeg’s latest range of kitchen appliances includes the 50s Style blender. Its die-cast aluminium body makes it stable during operation, and the convenient non-drip spout makes drink preparation fuss-free. It even has preset Ice Crush and Smoothie programmes that can produce beverages with different consistencies or levels of creaminess. Choose from a variety of gorgeous shades: red, cream, pink, pastel blue, black and pastel green.
36. USE A THERMOS FLASK TO KEEP YOUR DRINKS COLD ON A HOT DAY
There’s no need to worry about serving lukewarm water at your next picnic when you have the new Thermos Alfi Senso Vacuum Carafe. With a capacity of 0.65 litres, it keeps liquids cold for up to 24 hours. Bonus: It comes with a single hand-pouring button for convenience. Sleek, stylish and functional, this is one carafe you’ll need to beat the heat.
37. EAT FRESH AND REFRESHING ICE CREAM
It’s easy making your own ice cream with the Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker ($458, from Tangs). Fully automatic, it makes around 1.4 litres of tantalising frozen dessert in as little as 20 minutes. All you have to do is add fresh ingredients and turn the dial. The machine also allows you to add toppings or mix-ins as the ice cream is dispensed.
38. EAT A COLD DISH – NO COOKING REQUIRED!
Some things are best served cold: revenge, and a chickpea and feta salad. Pour one can of chickpeas into a bowl, and add chopped cucumber, red onions, and parsley for crunch. Top it up with 1/3 cup of feta cheese (or more – who’s counting?) and a diced avocado for a creamy texture. Drizzle the juice of half a lemon, sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, and toss. Chill in refrigerator.
39. KEEP HYDRATED WITH PURE DRINKING WATER
Sweaty days call for a countermeasure – lots of water! Purify the water you drink with the Hyflux Alkaline-3 Drinking Water System, which removes bacteria, viruses and chlorine. The antioxidant-alkaline feature helps neutralise acidity in your body as well. This device can be connected to a drinking tap or dispenser.
40. SLEEP ON A TATAMI
Tatami mattresses are made of rush plants. The porous, natural material helps with air ventilation, which makes tatami mats cool to rest on. Now, you can have a good night’s sleep even on warm nights! Smooth to the touch, the mats are also environmentally friendly and easy to maintain. Available from The Tatami Shop at Metro Centrepoint.
41. USE A CLOTHES LINE TO HANG YOUR LAUNDRY
If you’re not ready to invest in a quality dryer, sticking to a clothes line for your laundry may offer some cooling relief as well. The reasons are simple. Firstly, conventional dryers generate large amounts of heat and humidity, which get trapped in your home. Secondly, when you use a clothes line to dry your clothes, the water evaporates and cools the surrounding air.
42. LET YOUR DISHES AIR-DRY
The theory of leaving your dishes to dry manually is similar to using a clothesline to hang your laundry. By allowing them to dry naturally, water droplets are dispersed into the air and this cools down the temperature. Also, air-drying your dishes could be better for your health, since germs can get trapped in towels used to wipe dishes.
43. DECORATE WITH PLANTS AND GREEN WALL SYSTEMS
It has been proven that plants naturally aerate and cool our surroundings, apart from removing toxins from the air and being soothing sights. For statement-making feature walls, head to Greenology and Vertical Green for green walls. Green walls dramatically reduce temperatures of a building by acting as an insulation layer to protect from the heat of sun.
44. CHOOSE OVENS THAT ARE WELL INSULATED
Keep the heat in! Whether you’re looking for an oven, microwave or combination steam oven, it’s important to choose one that meets your cooking and baking needs, without heat escaping from the appliance. Miele’s ovens are cool on all sides. The latest in its range – Artline – has exteriors that are kept cool as several panes of glass insulate the oven door effectively and ensure a lower temperature on the outside.
Available in graphite grey, Miele’s Artline ovens have no handles, and are designed to fit seamlessly into stylish and minimalist kitchens. The doors pop open automatically upon the touch of a sensor.
45. USE WINDOW FILMS THAT KEEP OUT HEAT AND HARMFUL RAYS
If you don’t fancy drawing your blinds and curtains as this blocks out views of the surrounding or makes your home look dark and gloomy, apply anti-glare films to your windows. They help maintain openness, without you having to worry about heat and harmful rays entering the home. 3M Prestige window films feature a multi-layer optical technology that’s designed to reflect heat, ultra-violet and infrared rays, thereby decreasing the temperature within the home, while allowing natural light to pass through.
46. MAKE USE OF HOME AUTOMATION
With smart home systems, you can prevent your interiors from heating up even when you are not in. Have the curtains or blinds drawn automatically when there is strong sunlight, or the air-conditioning turned on before you arrive home. Systems from Asus, Somfy, Mation, Zipato, and more allow you to programme the various aspects of your home to keep it comfortable and energy-efficient, without any extra effort on your part.
47. MAKE A REFRESHING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE AT HOME
Fans of the classic pina colada will welcome the Painkiller, a richer, creamier cousin of the tropical beverage. Here’s a recipe, adapted by Zachary de Git from EC Proof, a craft spirits and home bar goods store.
• 45ml dark rum
• 45ml fresh pineapple juice
• 30ml coconut cream
• 15ml fresh orange juice
• 15ml rich syrup
Mix ingredients in a tiki mug or old fashion rocks glass, and serve it into a hurricane glass. Garnish with nutmeg and an orange wheel.
48. OPT FOR OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Outdoor furniture usually feature open designs and are made with lightweight, durable materials. Consider using them indoors to stay cool when lounging. Here are some stylish suggestions:
1 Living Divani George’s chair, from Dream.
2 B&B Italia Ravel sofa, from Space.
3 Dedon Mbrace chair, from Xtra.
4 Sika Design Hanging Egg chair, from Dreamweave.
49. USE AN ALKALINE WATER DISPENSER
Drinking alkaline water supposedly offers a wealth of benefits like restoring your pH balance, improving immunity and helping in detoxification. Backed by years of research and over 130 patents, H2O Life Source, a Korean alkaline water dispenser company, has released various versions for company and personal use that will adjust according to your tap water.
50. COOL YOUR FEET
Your feet have more blood vessels that directly impact your body temperature. Therefore, if you cool down your feet, your body will follow suit. The Vornado fan circulates the air in a cycle, taking in hot air and releasing cool air into the room, and can be placed on the floor or under your desk to keep your feet cool.
Text DOMENICA TAN, LOUISA CLARE LIM, ELIZA HAMIZAH & GIRWINA TAN Illustration LIM YI LING
