As the UK swelters through more hot weather, searches for ‘how to keep home cool in a heatwave’ have surged by +650% in the past seven days, with ‘windows open or closed in a heatwave’ up +350% over the same period. Express Bi-Folding Doors warns homeowners that the single biggest mistake they can make is opening their windows at the wrong time.
According to window fitting expert Geoff Clarkson at Express Bi-Folding Doors, the exact window is before 7am and after 9pm, the only two points in the day when outdoor air is reliably cooler than the air trapped inside a typical UK home. Opening up outside of this window, even for a few minutes, lets hot air flood in and undoes hours of careful cooling.
The rule is simple, match the air, not the clock
The Met Office has confirmed the UK is in the grip of a third heatwave this year, with amber heat health alerts in place and little relief expected until later in the week. Unlike June’s record-breaking spell, humidity is lower this time round, which experts say makes overnight cooling more effective, but only if it’s done at the right moment.
Express Bi-Folding Doors is urging households to follow a simple three-step routine during the current hot spell:
• Before 7am: open windows and doors fully to draw in the coolest air of the day and flush out heat that has built up overnight.
• 7am to 9pm: close windows and doors, and shut blinds or curtains on any sun-facing glass, to stop the day’s heat from getting trapped inside.
• After 9pm: once the outdoor temperature drops below the temperature inside, reopen windows and doors to create a through-breeze and let the house cool down for the night ahead.
For homes with bi-folding or large glazed doors, the effect is even more noticeable. A fully opening bi-fold creates a much wider aperture than a standard window, meaning the overnight flush of cool air happens faster, and the daytime seal, when closed and shaded, is more complete.
Further ways to keep your home cool:
1. Create a cross breeze
Open windows or doors on opposite sides of your home to flush hot air out and bring cool air in. In multi-storey homes, open upstairs windows to allow heat to escape from the top.
2. Time your airflow right
Ventilate during the coolest parts of the day typically early morning and late evening. Avoid leaving windows open in the middle of the day when the air outside is hotter than inside. Otherwise you risk letting in warm air and making your home even hotter.
3. Keep your curtains, blinds closed
Curtains and blinds should be kept closed during the day, but once the heat starts to drop they can be opened again. Invest in a thermal or blackout curtain to keep rooms significantly cooler.
4. Create a DIY ‘cool room’
Focus on keeping just one room as your designated cool space ideally one that’s naturally shaded. Set up fans, keep blinds drawn, and move there during the hottest parts of the day to avoid overheating the entire house.
5. Switch up your bedding and decor
Swap heavy duvets and throws for lightweight cotton or linen versions. Natural fabrics are more breathable and help regulate body temperature better than synthetics. Opt for lighter-coloured bedding and cushions too, as they reflect rather than absorb the heat.
6. Switch off unused tech
Electronics like TVs, laptops, and chargers all generate heat, even when not in use. Turn off unused devices at the plug and try to limit oven and stove use during the hottest times of the day to avoid heating up your home unnecessarily.
7. Add houseplants
Indoor plants not only brighten up your home but can help cool it down. Plants like peace lilies and ferns release moisture into the air, which can create a refreshing effect indoors.
Photo by Point And Shoot: https://www.pexels.com/photo/view-from-window-on-house-backyard-5148670/
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