Beat Singapore’s Summer Heat

Here’s how you can beat the heat at home without air-conditioning.

28 Jun 2021

This time of the year is often Singapore’s warmest period. Here’s how you can beat the heat at home without air-conditioning.

TEXT: SABA KASH
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

ADD AN EXTRA LAYER

Cooling mattress toppers are made of materials like latex and gel memory foam that draw heat away from you as you sleep. These are a useful investment as mattresses often trap heat; cooling mattress toppers absorb this excess mugginess. The gel memory foam varieties provide uninterrupted sleep as you won’t feel the movement of your partner.

DRESS UP YOUR WINDOW

Curtains and blinds aren’t just visually appealing; they can also prevent your room from sizzling up. Blackout curtains are tops as they reflect the solar heat and prevent it from reaching the room. Blinds that are lowered and closed completely do the trick too. For added coolness, stick a tinted film on your window panes.

CHOOSE CEILING OVER STANDING

The humble fan can keep your room cool at the fraction of the cost and energy of an air-conditioner. Opt for a ceiling fan (if you can) over a standing model, as the former circulates air in a wider spread. And be sure to clean it regularly. Keeping your fan dust-free isn’t just hygienic, it also helps it work better. Dirt build-up heats up the motor and makes it run slower.

CUT DOWN ON MEAT

Ever felt hot and sweaty after a barbecue or a steak dinner? According to science, that’s because protein is the hardest macronutrient to digest. The extra energy needed to break down the complex molecules raises our body temperature, leading to excessive perspiration. Avoid “meat sweats” by eating meals that are low in red meat and high in vegetables and wholegrains.

FEEL BREEZY IN LINEN

Clothes make the man — but the type of material affects how hot you feel when you put them on. When the mercury rises, opt for linen, a loosely-woven fabric made from natural fibre. This allows heat to escape more easily. Plus, it absorbs a lot of moisture and dries quickly. Don’t just take our word for it: in 2014, the European Confederation of Flax and Hemp ranked 100 per cent linen shirts as the most breathable clothing.

INTRODUCE GREENERY

When it comes to keeping your indoor surroundings cool, nothing beats a natural approach. Plants have been shown to lower room temperatures by releasing moisture into the air and can even remove toxins. Our favourite green friends include aloe vera, the bamboo palm and the peace lily.