Mumbai heat: TV actors and expert share tips to keep home interiors cool naturally in summer

Mumbai is currently witnessing a meltdown like never before. Although the season of monsoon is approaching, the city is nowhere near getting relief from the harsh sun and humid climate any time soon. Mumbaikars have held on to hand fans, sunglasses and cold beverages tightly to escape the summer heat but to no avail.

While one is sure to get grilled on stepping outside, the heat has also permeated indoors making homes feel like hot air balloons. To help you keep your home interiors cool, Mid-day.com roped in actors and experts to seek friendly hacks.

Actors share tips to keep home interiors cool
Sumeet Raghavan, one of India's most loved actors who we all loved watching on the popular TV show ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai' believes it is best to not stay outdoors in the sun for long unless necessary and rather spend time indoors.

For this actor who is currently seen as Rajesh Wagle in Sony SAB's ‘Wagle Ki Duniya - Nayi Peedhi, Naye Kissey', spending a typical summer afternoon at home involves sitting in a comfy t-shirt and short pants and playing his favourite harmonium and singing. As for food, he says, "I love to relish summer special foods like homemade aamras, panha or aam panna, and ambe dal which is a staple in Marathi households during the summer season."

Doling out tips to keep home interiors cool in summer, Raghavan shares, "In ancient days, way before ACs could make our lives easier, people used to raise curtains commonly called as taat ke parde or waala in Marathi and then sprinkle water on them for a cooling effect. Now, it is best to make use of white-coloured cotton curtains to keep the home interiors pleasant, if not cool."

Besides this, the actor also suggests people stay hydrated and store water in earthen pots and bottles to sip on naturally cold water.

Similarly, actor Mahesh Thakur who entertained and made us laugh through his popular shows like Shararat, tells Mid-day.com that he loves a refreshing morning cup of iced tea at home, during the summer season. "I catch up on reading, delve into script rehearsals, and spend quality time with my family. It's also a great time to indulge Indian classical music, particularly Raag Malhar, which beautifully reminds me that the monsoons are just around the corner."

Sharing his bit of advice on how to keep your home interiors cool, Thakur who is currently seen as Jaidev Sharma in Sony SAB's ‘Aangan Aapno Kaa', says, "To keep my house naturally cool, I rely on cross-ventilation; opening windows on opposite sides of the home early in the morning and late in the evening to let the cooler air flow through. I use light-coloured curtains to reflect heat and ensure all ceiling fans are in good working condition to circulate air efficiently. Adding indoor plants also helps in cooling the environment naturally. These are simple, effective methods that can make a significant difference in making your home a pleasant retreat from the summer heat."

Another actor, Kishori Shahane Vij who has charmed the hearts of many with her timeless beauty and acting feat tells us, "The only thing I like about Mumbai summer, besides Mangoes of course, is that I get to wash all my curtains, carpet, bedsheets, blankets and upholstery covers since the heat is severe so these items dry quickly."

Shahane who is currently appearing on screen as Babita Ahuja from Zee TV's ‘Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye' resides in Mumbai's Juhu. She says, "Since I live near the sea, it is more humid. So for me, it is tough to keep the home interiors cool. This said, besides using air conditioning to keep the house chilled, and to keep the interior pleasant naturally, I usually keep all my windows open early in the morning and shut them before the sunlight starts getting harsh. Similarly, I also keep the windows open in the evenings after sunsets. This allows free fresh air flow and helps remove the residual heat from the house."

Adding elements to your home to keep interiors naturally cool
Swati Gupta, founder and principal designer Bluedot Design shares additional tips to keep home interiors cool naturally:

1. Light-coloured curtains and bamboo/Woven blinds:
Use light-coloured, heat-reflective curtains or blinds to block out sunlight and prevent heat from entering your home. Install bamboo or woven shades that allow some light to pass through while blocking direct sunlight, helping to keep rooms cooler.

2. Reflective window film:
Apply reflective window film to your windows. This accessory reduces the amount of heat entering through the glass, keeping the interior cooler. They can be easily removed whenever you want.

3. Indoor plants:
Incorporate indoor plants such as ferns, peace lilies, or snake plants. They not only add a fresh aesthetic but also help cool the air through the process of transpiration.

4. Cotton or linen textiles:
Switch to cotton or linen for your bedding, cushion covers, and upholstery. These natural fibres are breathable and help to keep you cool by allowing air to circulate.

5. Lightweight area rugs:
Replace heavy rugs with lightweight, natural fibre rugs like jute or sisal. These materials do not retain heat as much as thicker, synthetic options.

6. Cooling pillow inserts:
Use cooling pillow inserts or pillows made with cooling gel or breathable materials. These can help you stay cool while sleeping.

Besides this, Gupta also shares natural hacks to effectively lower the temperature inside your home and create a more comfortable living environment during the hot summer months.

1. Cross ventilation:
Open windows and doors on opposite sides of your home to create a cross breeze. This promotes air circulation and helps to expel hot air while bringing in cooler air from outside. Use screen doors or mesh to keep bugs out while allowing air to flow freely.

2. Cool down with natural water features:
Place indoor fountains or bowls of water with floating candles or flowers around your home. The evaporation of water adds moisture to the air, which can create a cooling effect. Position water features near windows or in areas where the breeze can help distribute the cooler, moist air.

3. Use thermal mass:
Place large, dense objects like ceramic tiles, clay pots, or stone decorations around your home. These materials absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, helping to moderate indoor temperature. Incorporate these materials into your flooring or wall decor to maximise their cooling benefits.

Common mistakes that can cause the temperatures to rise at home

1. Overusing artificial lighting:
Keeping lights on unnecessarily, especially in unoccupied rooms, generates extra heat. Make the most of natural daylight and turn off lights when they are not needed. Also, use energy-efficient LED bulbs, which produce less heat and consume less energy.

2. Excessive use of electronics:
Running multiple electronic devices like computers, televisions, and gaming consoles for extended periods generates heat. Turn off devices when not in use, and unplug chargers and appliances that continue to draw power even when turned off.

3. Cooking during peak heat hours:
Using the oven or stove during the hottest part of the day adds heat to your home. If possible, cook meals during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Alternatively, use a microwave, slow cooker, or outdoor grill.

4. Blocking air vents and fans:
Furniture or drapes obstructing air vents and fans can restrict airflow, making your cooling systems work harder and generating more heat. Ensure vents and fans are unobstructed and strategically placed to promote good air circulation.

5. Poor window management:
Keeping windows open during the hottest part of the day allows hot air to enter your home. Close windows and curtains during peak heat hours and open them in the early morning or late evening to let in cooler air.

6. Inefficient use of exhaust fans:
Not using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom allows heat and humidity to build up. They should be used effectively to remove excess heat and moisture when cooking or showering.

7. Dark and heavy curtains:
Using dark, heavy curtains can absorb heat and increase indoor temperatures. Use light-coloured, reflective curtains or blinds to deflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption.