Hot weather can make homes feel uncomfortable, especially during the afternoon and evening. Here are some practical ways to help keep your home as cool as possible.
Drawing on expert advice featured by BBC News, here are some simple ways to keep your home cooler during hot weather:
1. Let cooler air in and encourage air flow
Open windows when the outside temperature is cooler than inside your home, usually overnight and early in the morning.
If you can, open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a through breeze. In flats with windows on only one side, opening internal doors and using a fan can help air move through your home.
2. Keep the heat out during the day
Once the outside temperature starts to rise, close your windows to stop hot air entering your home.
Closing curtains or blinds, particularly on windows that receive direct sunlight, can also help reduce the amount of heat building up indoors.
3. Reduce extra heat indoors
Many everyday appliances give off heat. If possible:
- avoid using the oven during the hottest part of the day
- wait until the evening to use washing machines, tumble dryers or dishwashers
- switch off lights and electrical items when you’re not using them.
These small changes can help prevent your home from getting even warmer.
4. Use fans effectively
Fans don’t lower the temperature of a room, but they help your body feel cooler by moving air across your skin.
For the best results, use a fan while you’re in the room and continue to keep windows closed if it’s hotter outside than inside.
Placing ice cubes in front of the fan can cool the air being blown in your direction. You can use more than one fan to create a cross current.
5. Cool yourself down
Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty and eat foods with high water content.
Wear loose-fitting clothing in breathable fabrics and a hat.
Stay in the shade and avoid exercise in the hottest part of the day.
Use fans, ice packs and cool showers to reduce your body temperature.
6. Find an alternative space
Air-conditioned public buildings such as libraries, leisure centres and shopping centres can also provide relief if your home is too hot.
Hot weather can be especially difficult for older people, young children and anyone with long-term health conditions.
If you have a neighbour, friend or family member who may be struggling in the heat, checking in with them can make a real difference.
Find out more
You can read the full BBC News article here:
Six ways to keep your home and yourself cool in hot weather