With temperatures soaring upward of 30 degrees over the summer, many of us are searching for the best ways to keep our homes cool during the day.
- Open and close windows at the right time
“One of the simplest ways to keep your home cooler is to be strategic with your windows and external doors. Open them early in the morning, ideally between 5am and 8am, when outdoor temperatures are at their lowest, close during the hottest part of the day, and open them again from around 8pm onwards as the evening cools. If the air outside is hotter than the air inside, leaving windows open can actually allow more heat into your home.”
- Keep blinds or shutters closed
“Direct sunlight can quickly raise indoor temperatures, particularly in south and west-facing rooms. Keeping curtains, blinds or shutters closed during the day helps prevent heat building up in the first place. This is often far more effective than trying to cool a room down once it has already become uncomfortably warm.”
- Create a through-breeze during the evening
“Once temperatures begin to fall, open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a through-breeze. This encourages air to circulate through the property, helping to remove heat that has accumulated during the day. If it is safe to do so, opening upstairs windows can be particularly effective, as warm air naturally rises.”
- Cut down on appliance usage
“Many everyday household activities generate heat without us realising it. Ovens, hobs, tumble dryers and even some electronic devices can all contribute to warmer indoor temperatures. During a heatwave, try to limit their use during the hottest part of the day and opt for cooler meals or appliances that produce less heat where possible.”
- Use fans effectively
“Although fans do not actually reduce the temperature of a room, they can make it feel much cooler by improving airflow across your skin. For the best results, use them in the evening or overnight when cooler air is available, or position them near an open window to help draw fresh air through the house.
A frozen bottle of water placed in front of a fan can also create a small cooling effect by chilling the air immediately around it. While it will not lower the temperature of an entire room, it can make the airflow from the fan feel noticeably cooler if you are sitting nearby, providing some short-term relief during particularly hot weather.”
- Keep heat trapped where it belongs
“In many homes, loft spaces can become extremely hot during prolonged periods of warm weather. Keeping the loft hatch closed helps stop that heat from radiating into the rooms below. Similarly, keeping doors to unused rooms closed can help concentrate cooler air in the areas of the house where you spend the most time.”
Thanks to Emily Green, home maintenance expert at Howarth Timber
Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blow-fan-17301209/
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