Liquid Insulation Film Cools Homes by 6 Degrees Celsius for Under $30, More Effective Than Curtains

As temperatures in Taiwan rise significantly after the Dragon Boat Festival, residents are seeking effective ways to stay cool without excessively relying on air conditioning, which strains both personal finances and the power grid. Home improvement retailer Hōmā International (Hōmā) has released a guide to energy-saving solutions for a cooler, more comfortable, and eco-friendly home.

The retailer emphasizes that true energy savings come not just from reducing appliance use or enduring high temperatures, but from strategically employing technology and understanding basic physics. Direct sunlight entering windows can create a greenhouse effect, raising indoor temperatures and forcing air conditioners to work harder. To combat this, Hōmā suggests using physical barriers to block heat.

Options include blackout curtains with over 90% light-blocking capability and UV protection. These should be drawn during the day, especially when facing direct sun, to prevent external heat from entering. A popular new product is 'liquid thermal insulation paper,' which maintains high transparency while effectively blocking UV rays and heat. Tests show it can reduce indoor temperatures by an average of 4°C to 6°C. For added aesthetic appeal and dual-purpose heat blocking, washable curtains with light-blocking coatings are also recommended.

Lighting is another significant energy consumer. Traditional incandescent or older energy-saving bulbs are inefficient and generate considerable heat, indirectly increasing the load on air conditioners. Hōmā advises replacing these with high-efficiency LED lighting. LED bulbs have a longer lifespan, produce less heat, and can save over 80% more electricity than traditional bulbs for the same brightness.

To enhance cooling efficiency, using DC-powered circulation fans alongside air conditioners is recommended. Setting the air conditioner to a comfortable 26°C to 28°C and using a fan helps circulate cool air evenly throughout the room, lowering the perceived temperature by an additional 2°C to 3°C and reducing the need for the AC compressor to run at high power. Finally, regular maintenance, such as cleaning air conditioner filters every two to three weeks, is crucial for maintaining cooling efficiency and extending the unit's lifespan.