Staying Cool in Tiny Homes: Balancing Comfort and Cost in Hot Weather

Tiny home living has many perks, but one thing that’s for sure is that those small homes can get rather warm without the right tools and cooling methods. The good news is that with a few clever tactics, you can stay cool during the hottest months without breaking the bank. 

There are many solutions for rising temperatures, from smart thermostats and small air conditioners to remedies that don’t require electricity. 

Taking Charge of Your Cooler Home

Once you move into a tiny home, one of your priorities should be to ensure that you put the proper tech and tools in place, especially if you live in a hotter climate. In addition to staying cool, taking the proper steps could save money.

Yes, living in a tiny home will already translate into smaller utility bills. However, there’s always the chance that electricity prices could fluctuate. Prices could change because of world events, the sudden unavailability of natural gas, supply chain issues, or even rising temperatures. Demand for electricity rises dramatically when it’s hot, and people around the country are turning on their air conditioners and running fans 24 hours a day.

You can be a part of the solution by taking charge of cooling your own home. If you have a say in constructing your little homestead, you can keep your tiny home cool by verifying that it’s properly insulated. If you have a choice in the matter, choose to install reflective foil, which is a very effective type of insulation.

Thermostat Considerations

If your home is already built, you can take charge of your cooling needs, keep your costs at a minimum, and help the planet by investing in a smart thermostat that allows for more efficient energy conditioning. Some devices can even automatically change the temperature throughout the day.

You can set it to a different temperature at work so your air conditioning turns on less frequently. You can set it to a cooler temperature on your way home from work to have the perfect atmosphere when you arrive. You can set different temperatures at night, early in the morning, or whenever you want.

Another way to cool your home to the ideal temperature without wasting energy is to learn more about your place’s thermal dynamics and calibrate your thermostat to its ideal setting. Many factors influence the temperature in your house. If it’s in direct sunlight and you keep your blinds open all day, it will be hotter than a home covered in shade most of the day. You can also think about how quickly hot drinks cool down even with all of your windows and doors closed. When you set your thermostat, find the sweet spot where you’re comfortable, but you’re not reaching for a sweater, and you’ll likely save money.

Air Conditioning Options

One of the most popular options for cooling tiny homes is the ductless mini-split air conditioner, which takes up almost no space and can cool your home on the hottest days when installed properly. On the downside, you’ll likely also want to have a fan or air exchanger running throughout the day so the windows don’t fog up or cause other issues. Plus, you’ll likely need to have it professionally installed, which can cost thousands of dollars upfront.

A much more affordable option is to use a portable air conditioner that is also mobile so you can move it from room to room. However, if you live in a hot climate, the portable AC unit would likely need to run non-stop, and it might still not keep your home completely cool.

Finally, a balance between the two costs can be achieved with a packaged terminal air conditioner, which is the metal unit on the wall that you often see in hotel rooms. You control it with knobs, and it’s easy to use. However, though your installation bill will be low, your monthly electricity bill may be higher.

Consider these options with your budget and make the best choice so you can balance comfort and cost.

Cooling Your Home Without Electricity

For the ultimate cost efficiency during summer, look for ways to cool your home that require little to no electricity at all.

One of the go-to ideas in this regard is to install energy-saving window film. It’s easy to do, and once installed, you’ll reduce your cooling costs because it won’t get so hot inside in the first place. Plus, you’ll have more privacy during the day. Hanging curtains and keeping them closed will provide the same benefits.

Beyond that, the best way to keep your home cool is to be smart about using windows and doors. Keep both closed throughout the day. If you have a family, try to leave as one unit instead of opening and closing the doors as everyone leaves and enters. At night, consider opening the windows to allow more airflow that could help to cool your home when the temperatures are low. Placing a fan in front of an open window is a good way to increase the airflow.

Finally, if you’ve tried every other method but you’re still warmer than you’d like, place a few small towels in the freezer. When they’re nice and cold, put them around the back of your neck. You can even try to freeze them in that shape so they’re ready to go.

Conclusion

There are many ways to balance comfort and cost in your tiny home during the hottest summer months. Mix and match a few of the methods discussed here, and you could find some much-needed relief.