Published: 10/10/2022
How to keep your home cool during heatwaves
Over the past weeks there have been extreme temperatures across most of the UK.
Much of the health risk is from heat inside people's homes - so how can your home be kept cool? Here are some tips from 1Plus1 Guarantor Loans.
Let cool air in
UK homes are designed and insulated to keep in warm air.
To let in as much cool air as possible, open the windows overnight or, if you’re concerned about safety, for a couple of hours in the early morning or before bed, when the air temperature is lowest.
Encourage airflow
If you can, open windows on opposite sides of the home, to let hot air out and cold in especially if there is a breeze. Open any loft windows or skylights, as hot air rises.
In flats, which may have windows on one side only, open the front-door and use a fan to encourage airflow.
Keep out direct sunlight and hot air
In the morning, before temperatures rise, close all windows, external doors, blinds and curtains.
A researcher from University College London , who researches sustainable building and urban design advises moving away from windows or drawing blinds or curtains to avoid direct heat.
Use a fan
Unlike in countries with frequent high temperatures, most UK homes have no air-conditioning.
To push cool air around the home, place a bowl of ice in front of an electric fan.
Limit hot activities
Avoid cooking for long periods and running electrical appliances that generate heat.
Heat exhaustion can also be brought on by high humidity - moisture in the air - so:
- take shorter and colder showers
- wipe excess water from surfaces
- move indoor plants outside
What does hot weather do to the body?
Find an alternative space
Lots of places including office buildings or public areas such as sports centres or libraries may be cooler.
Local authorities have identified spaces where the public can keep cool.
The mayor of London's office, for example, has created a map. There are more suggestions here.
