Is a Temporary Container House Hot in Summer?

Using an uninsulated container as a temporary residence in summer can be extremely stuffy and hot, but effective improvements can be made through renovations or auxiliary measures.

Reasons for the stuffiness of unrenovated containers in summer

The main body of a container is mostly made of metal, which has strong thermal conductivity. When exposed to direct sunlight in summer, the surface temperature of the container rises rapidly, and the internal air is continuously heated accordingly. Moreover, in a confined space, it is difficult for the heat to dissipate outward, and the internal temperature is often 5 - 10℃ higher than the outdoor temperature. During the day, it feels extremely stuffy and unbearable, and at night, heat dissipation is also relatively slow.

Ways to improve thermal comfort after renovation

• Insulation materials and coatings: Stick thermal insulation materials such as rock wool and extruded polystyrene boards on the inner walls of the container, or spray professional thermal insulation coatings on the outer walls. Install an aluminum foil sunshade layer on the top to significantly block the heat accumulation caused by solar radiation. For example, a container using a 7.5-centimeter-thick color-steel rock wool board has relatively good thermal insulation performance. No matter how hot it is outside in summer, the internal temperature of the container can be maintained within a relatively comfortable range.
• Ventilation facilities: Equip with ventilation facilities, install exhaust fans or fresh air systems to ensure indoor air circulation and timely discharge of accumulated heat.
• Air conditioning equipment: If conditions permit, install air conditioners to quickly lower the indoor temperature to a comfortable range. Nowadays, many containers are equipped with air conditioners that can handle both cooling and heating, and also have dehumidification functions, effectively controlling humidity. According to personal experience, on the hottest days, turning on the air conditioner for half an hour can immediately cool down the room, eliminating the feeling of suffocation.

Auxiliary cooling methods for short-term temporary use

For short-term temporary use, auxiliary cooling can be achieved by planting shade-providing green plants around the container, drawing sunshades during the day to block direct sunlight, and placing cooling ice packs indoors. However, for long-term residence, it is still recommended to carry out systematic thermal insulation and ventilation renovations to obtain a better living experience.