Dutch summers are changing.
While the Netherlands has traditionally enjoyed mild temperatures, recent years have brought longer and more frequent heatwaves. As temperatures climb above 30°C more often, many households find themselves searching for ways to stay cool without relying on energy-hungry air conditioning.
The good news is that keeping your home comfortable doesn’t always require more electricity. In fact, many of the most effective cooling techniques have been used for generations. Combined with a few modern habits, they can help lower your energy bill while making your home a more pleasant place to spend the summer.
Here are ten simple ways to stay cool naturally.
1. Keep the Sun Outside
The easiest way to cool your home is to stop the heat from entering in the first place. Close curtains, blinds or exterior shutters on windows that receive direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Blocking the sun before it enters your home is far more effective than trying to cool the room afterward.
2. Open Windows at the Right Time
Instead of leaving windows open all day, take advantage of cooler temperatures early in the morning and late in the evening. Creating cross-ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of your home helps fresh air circulate naturally.
3. Let Fans Do the Work
Fans use only a fraction of the electricity required by air conditioning. Position one near an open window in the evening to draw cooler air inside, or place it across the room to improve airflow throughout your living space.
4. Cook Smarter
Using the oven or hob during the hottest hours adds unnecessary heat to your kitchen. Summer is the perfect season for fresh salads, cold pasta dishes or outdoor barbecues that keep indoor temperatures lower while making the most of seasonal ingredients.
5. Dry Your Clothes Outdoors
Whenever possible, skip the tumble dryer and let the summer breeze do the work. Outdoor drying not only saves electricity but also helps keep excess heat out of your home.
6. Turn Off What You’re Not Using
Many electronic devices continue to consume electricity even when they’re on standby. Switching off televisions, game consoles, chargers and other electronics reduces energy use while preventing them from generating additional heat.
7. Give Your Fridge Some Breathing Room
A refrigerator works harder when it’s surrounded by heat or packed too tightly. Make sure air can circulate around it, avoid leaving the door open longer than necessary and allow hot food to cool before placing it inside.
8. Bring Nature to Your Balcony or Garden
Plants don’t just make outdoor spaces more inviting. Trees, climbing plants and balcony greenery provide natural shade and can help reduce surrounding temperatures. Even a few potted plants can make sitting outside far more comfortable on sunny afternoons.
9. Switch to LED Lighting
Although lighting may seem insignificant during the day, traditional bulbs produce unnecessary heat. LED lighting stays cooler and uses significantly less electricity, making it a simple year-round upgrade.
10. Dress Your Home for Summer
Light-coloured curtains, breathable cotton bedding and natural fabrics help create a cooler indoor environment. Sometimes staying comfortable is simply about adapting your surroundings rather than changing the temperature itself.
Small Habits, Real Savings
Many people assume that staying cool always means using more electricity. In reality, a few thoughtful habits can make a noticeable difference.
For example:
| Habit | Potential Benefit |
|---|---|
| Dry clothes outside | Saves electricity and reduces indoor heat |
| Cook cold meals or barbecue outdoors | Keeps kitchens cooler |
| Switch off standby electronics | Reduces unnecessary energy use |
| Ventilate during cooler hours | Improves natural cooling without extra energy |
| Close blinds before midday | Helps prevent rooms from overheating |
None of these changes require expensive renovations or new technology. Together, they can make your home noticeably more comfortable while reducing both energy consumption and household costs.
A Cooler Home Starts with Smarter Choices
Summer should be about enjoying longer days, outdoor dinners and time with friends—not worrying about rising electricity bills.
Fortunately, staying cool doesn’t always mean turning the thermostat down. By working with nature instead of against it, we can create homes that remain comfortable, use less energy and leave a lighter footprint on the environment.
This article is part of The Sustainable Summer Series, where we explore practical, everyday ways to enjoy the season while living a little more sustainably.