British Gas has shared six simple, free tips to help keep your home cool during hot weather. UK homes are designed to retain heat, which is beneficial in winter but problematic in summer. With parts of the country experiencing a heatwave, these methods can help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without spending money.
Close Curtains and Windows During the Day
According to British Gas, “Tempting as it might be to throw your windows open during a heatwave, leaving them shut when the day is at its hottest will keep rooms cool in summer. So try to only let in the air early or late in the day.” This prevents hot outdoor air from entering the home.
Create a Cooling Effect with Simple Tricks
To “really cool a room down” with a fan, place a deep dish of ice in front of it to chill the breeze. You can also point a box fan out of an open window in the evenings to push hot air out rather than just blowing it around the room.
Encourage Air Flow
Closing off unused rooms during the day helps keep the house cool. Opening internal doors when windows are open in the evening promotes air circulation. The experts advise: “A good strategy is to open windows on opposite sides of your home in the early morning or late evening when the outdoor temperature is lower. This encourages airflow by letting the warm air inside escape and be replaced by cooler air from outside. If that’s not an option, for example, if you live in a flat that only has windows on one side, open internal doors and use a fan to get the air moving.”
Fix Reflective Window Film
Reflective window film is an affordable and “super effective” tool for keeping your house cool. It can be installed by yourself and can reduce heat and glare by up to 99%, according to British Gas. Some people have even tried using tin foil, which they already have at home.
Use Extractor Fans Cleverly
Extractor fans can be used to remove warm air. The experts said: “Extractors don’t just get rid of smells and steam from cooking and showering, during hot weather, they can be put to double use. Open your internal doors and leave your bathroom and kitchen extractor fans running for a while to create airflow to help remove warm air. It’s best to do this after cooking or showering, which can both increase humidity and heat. Make sure to open windows and vents elsewhere so that fresh cooler air can come in to replace the warm air expelled by the extractor fan.”
Cool Yourself Down
Taking a tepid shower can help keep your body cool and save energy and money on bills. After showering, choose loose, lightweight clothing made of natural fibres to help regulate temperature. Keeping clothing loose-fitting allows it to move in a breeze, which helps you cool down.
