Auto & Tech

Beat the Heat: 7 Natural Home Cooling Hacks to Keep You Cool

As the scorching summer sun beats down on our homes, it’s essential to find ways to keep our living spaces cool and comfortable. While air conditioners and fans provide temporary relief, they can be expensive and harmful to the environment. Fortunately, there are several natural and effective ways to beat the heat without breaking the bank or harming the planet.

In this article, Hashtag Magazine gives you 7 natural home-cooling hacks to help you keep your home cool and comfortable during the sweltering summer months. From allowing ventilation to bringing in greenery, these simple yet effective tips will help you create a cooler, more sustainable living space.

1. Allow Ventilation: The Power of Cross Breeze

One of the simplest and most effective ways to cool your home is by allowing ventilation. By opening windows and doors on opposite sides of your home, you can create a cross breeze that pulls hot air out and brings cool air in. This technique is especially effective in homes with large windows or sliding glass doors.

To maximize ventilation, consider the following tips:

Open windows and doors during the cooler morning and evening hours to allow cool air to enter.
Close windows and doors during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11am and 3pm) to keep hot air out.
Use window screens or mesh doors to keep insects out while still allowing airflow.

By allowing ventilation, you can significantly reduce the temperature inside your home without relying on air conditioning.

2. Install Blinds: Blocking Out the Sun’s Rays

Another effective way to keep your home cool is by blocking out the sun’s rays. Installing blinds or shades on your windows can help reflect sunlight and keep your home cooler. Consider using:

– Light-colored blinds or shades to reflect sunlight.

– Thermal or blackout curtains to block out sunlight and keep warmth in.

– Solar screens or window films to block UV rays and reduce heat gain.

By installing blinds, you can reduce the amount of direct sunlight that enters your home, keeping it cooler and more comfortable.

3. Use Natural Fabrics: The Cooling Power of Cotton and Linen

The type of fabrics you use in your home can also impact its temperature. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are breathable, allowing air to circulate and cool your home. Consider using:

– Cotton or linen curtains or drapes to allow airflow and filter sunlight.

– Natural fiber rugs or mats to add warmth and texture to your floors.

– Cotton or linen bedding to keep you cool and comfortable while sleeping.

By incorporating natural fabrics into your home decor, you can create a cooler, more comfortable living space.

4. Incorporate Cool Colors: The Psychology of Color

The colors you use in your home can also impact its perceived temperature. Cool colors like blue, green, and purple can create a calming, cooling effect, while warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can create a cozy, warming effect. Consider using:

– Cool-colored paints or wallpapers to create a calming atmosphere.

– Blue or green-tinted windows or glass doors to filter sunlight and reduce heat gain.

– Cool-colored bedding or curtains to keep you cool and comfortable while sleeping.

By incorporating cool colors into your home decor, you can create a cooler, more comfortable living space.

5. Treat Your Roof: The Importance of Insulation

Your roof plays a critical role in regulating your home’s temperature. By treating your roof with insulation, you can reduce heat gain during the summer and heat loss during the winter. Consider using:

– Insulation materials like fiberglass, cellulose, or spray foam to reduce heat transfer.

– Radiant barrier materials like aluminum foil or plastic sheeting to reflect sunlight and heat.

– Cool roof coatings or paints to reflect sunlight and reduce heat gain.

By treating your roof, you can significantly reduce your energy bills and create a more comfortable living space.

6. Get Smart with Wall Paint: The Science of Heat Reflection

The paint you use on your walls can also impact your home’s temperature. By using specialized paints or coatings, you can reflect sunlight and heat, keeping your home cooler. Consider using:

– Heat-reflective paints or coatings containing materials like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

– Cool wall paints or coatings with high solar reflectance index (SRI) values.

– Textured or patterned paints to create a cooling, shading effect.

By getting smart with wall paint, you can reduce heat gain and create a cooler, more comfortable living space.

7. Bring in Greenery: The Cooling Power of Plants

Finally, one of the most effective ways to cool your home is by bringing in greenery. Plants are natural air purifiers, and they can help cool your home by:

– Providing shade and blocking direct sunlight.

– Releasing moisture into the air through transpiration.

– Purifying the air and removing toxins.

Conclusion:

As the summer sun continues to shine brightly, it’s essential to find natural and effective ways to keep our homes cool and comfortable. By incorporating these 7 simple yet powerful hacks, you can significantly reduce your energy bills and create a cooler, more sustainable living space. Stay cool, stay natural, and beat the heat with ease!

March 18, 2025

Startups Cleaning Ganga: Where Tech Meets Sacred Duty

The Ganga is not just a river. She is a living goddess, a lifeline of civilization, a poetic symbol of purity, and paradoxically, a carrier of pollution. For centuries, her waters have cleansed the souls of pilgrims, nurtured fertile lands, and fed spiritual imaginations. But in modern India, the Ganga is choked by waste, neglect, and unfulfilled promises. Now, in an era where startups are disrupting everything from food delivery to fintech, a new generation of entrepreneurs is turning its gaze towards a nobler mission: cleaning the sacred river. DHANUSH KUMAR writes about the startups working towards restoring the Ganga’s glory. The Ganga’s Crisis Stretching over 2,500 kilometres, the Ganga flows through five states and supports more than 400 million people. Yet she is one of the most polluted rivers in the world. Industrial waste, untreated sewage, plastic, and religious offerings wrapped in non-biodegradable materials have contaminated sections of the river, rendering it a toxic drain. Despite massive government initiatives like the Namami Gange program, results have often lagged behind expectations. The reason? Bureaucratic red tape, fragmented accountability, and a lack of grassroots innovation. But where systems struggle, startups often thrive. And they are doing so with intelligence, grit, and heart. Enter The Startups: Young Minds, Ancient Cause 1. HelpUsGreen: Turning Temple Waste into Wealth Based in Kanpur, HelpUsGreen is collecting tons of floral waste from temples and converting it into organic incense sticks, compost, and biodegradable products. Rather than letting pesticide-laden flowers rot in the river, they are transformed into eco-friendly products through a process the founders call flower cycling. Over 11,000kg of waste is diverted from the Ganga daily, and employment opportunities are created for rural women. This is innovation rooted in reverence. 2.JalTara: Water Purification Meets AI Using AI and IoT, JalTara monitors water quality in real

Auto & Tech

10 Easy Ways to Spot a Scam Before It’s Too Late

Scams can hurt the victim financially, emotionally, and sometimes, even physically. Unfortunately, scams are rapidly becoming a major problem, with some common types including employment scams, tech support scams, cryptocurrency scams, and UPI scams in India. The good news is that you can identify a scam before scammers cash in. In this blog, we will explain ten easy ways to spot a scam before it’s too late: 1. Scammers ask for your personal information Be suspicious if someone asks you for your personal information, like bank account details. Scammers often reach in disguise as your banker, healthcare provider, or a government entity. So, be cautious when someone requests highly sensitive personal information. Also, note that genuine and legitimate entities rarely ask for your personal information, such as passwords and Social Security numbers, via phone, SMS, or email. 2.Create urgency or an emergency Scammers try to lure you into making decisions in a rush by using phrases like “do now,” ‘hurry up, “” limited now,” etc. For example, they may warn that if you don’t act now, you will lose your prize winnings. These days, fraud cases like “your relatives in another country or city need money immediately” are also common. So, be cautious if someone or something prompts immediate action. 3.Contact about a lottery you don’t know Lottery scams are also common. Winning a lottery for a big prize brings huge excitement, and for scammers, it’s easy to turn this joy into financial loss. So, it’s important to learn how to spot scams by using legit lottery websites in India, particularly if you’re used to playing lotteries. Don’t forget to verify the source and protect your personal information. 4.Ask to keep it secret This is because they don’t want to face or answer the questions of friends and family who

Auto & Tech

Cool Cars under Rs 10 Lakhs That Are Perfect for Indian Roads

Looking for a car that doesn’t just get you from A to B, but also turns heads while doing it? Whether you are weaving through crowded city lanes or cruising on weekend getaways, India’s sub Rs 10 lakh segment now offers cars that are stylish, rugged, and surprisingly feature-packed. Think of these not just as vehicles, but as lifestyle statements. Dhanush Kumar brings a curated list of five cool cars under Rs 10 lakhs that effortlessly blend function with flair, ideal for young, urban drivers who want more than just mileage. 1. Tata Punch If bold had a shape, it would look like the Tata Punch. With SUV-inspired styling, high ground clearance, and a tough body, it’s built for the urban jungle and the hills beyond. Despite its compact size, it feels surprisingly spacious. Highlight: 5-Star Global NCAP safety rating. Perfect for: City explorers and first-time car owners Starts At: Rs 7 lakh 2. Maruti Suzuki Fronx The Fronx is Maruti’s answer to those who want a bit of SUV, a bit of hatchback, and a whole lot of attitude. With a futuristic design and smooth driving experience, it’s turning heads on every street. Highlight: LED DRLs, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay Perfect For: Urbanites with a flair for the new Starts At: Rs 7 Lakh 3. Hyundai Exter Think of the Exter as the younger, sassier cousin of Hyundai’s SUV lineup. With its quirky design, sunroof, and multiple drive modes, it’s made for Gen Z who love to stand out and stay connected. Highlight: Built-in dashcam, voice-enabled features Perfect for: Style-forward tech lovers Starts At: Rs 6.21 lakh 4. Tata Tiago EV Affordable EVs are finally here, and the Tata Tiago EV leads the charge. With zero emissions, low running costs, and a peppy design, it’s India’s most accessible electric

Auto & Tech

The Best AI Tools In The World Right Now

Artificial intelligence has become a game changer in every aspect of life. From work to wellness, creativity to convenience, AI tools are transforming how we live, work, and interact with technology. But with so many options out there, which AI tools truly stand out? Dhanush Kumar curates a list of the most innovative AI tools in 2025 that are redefining modern lifestyles. 1.ChatGPT OpenAI’s ChatGPT continues to revolutionize communication, content creation, and learning. Whether you need assistance with writing, brainstorming, coding, or even personal development, this AI-powered assistant is an invaluable tool. Best for : Productivity, Writing, Research, and Conversation. 2.Midjourney Midjourney is leading the AI-generated art movement, allowing users to create stunning visuals with just a text prompt. It’s an incredible tool for lifestyle influencer, marketers, and anyone seeking artistic inspiration. Best for: Digital artists, designers, and creative professionals. 3.Grammarly Perfecting grammar, clarity, and style has never been easier. Grammarly’s AI-driven writing assistant offers real-time suggestions, making it an essential tool for emails, essays, and professional documents. Best for: Writers, Professionals, and Students. 4.Notion AI Notion AI takes organization to the next level. With AI-powered features like automated summaries, tasks suggestions, and smart notes, it’s ideal for anyone looking to streamline their workflow. Best for: Productivity, project management, and collaboration. 5. DALL E 3 Need high quality visuals for a blog, website, or social media? DALL E 3 by Open AI generates hyper-realistic images based on simple descriptions, making it a go-to AI tool for visual content creators. Best for : Marketing, branding, and creative projects. 6. Runway ML Runway ML offers next-level AI-driven video editing, helping creators produce stunning visual effects, remove backgrounds, and even generate entire scenes. Best for: Content Creators, filmmakers, and Social media influencers. 7. Perplexity AI Think of Perplexity AI as Google’s smarter sibling.