Heatwave Hacks: How To Stay Cool At Home This Summer

It’s not often that we moan about the sun in the UK, but whenever there’s a heatwave, it seems like everyone is underprepared. If soaring temperatures are stopping you from sleeping, or you can’t relax in the comfort of your own home, simple steps can help. Here are some top heatwave hacks to stay cool all summer long.

Bright summer living room with cooling fan, open windows and sunlight streaming through curtains during a heatwave.

Bright summer living room with cooling fan, open windows and sunlight streaming through curtains during a heatwave.

Air conditioning

Air conditioning is the ultimate investment for your home if you struggle during the hot and sticky summer months. With modern air conditioning units, you can lower indoor temperatures rapidly to create a comfortable environment for working, relaxing, socialising and sleeping. It’s wise to think about the spaces you use most and which parts of your house heat up quickly when deciding how many units to install and which system to choose. Contact local companies that specialise in residential air con services, get advice and compare quotes. Many people prefer to sleep in colder climes, so you may want to consider getting AC in your bedroom.

Windows and doors

It’s beneficial to know when to open your windows and doors during a heatwave. While most of us open our doors and windows wide when it’s warm and sunny, keeping them open can be counterproductive. If it’s hot outside and the sun is streaming through your windows, keep doors and windows shut and close your curtains. This will prevent hot air from entering the building. Once the temperature has dropped, you can open the doors and windows to let cooler air circulate. It’s particularly beneficial to boost ventilation in your bedroom during the night for better sleep. Keep your windows open or use a fan.

Fans

Fans help to create a draught and make you feel cooler. You can choose from a wide range of styles, with options to suit every budget. If you’re keen to explore long-term solutions, ceiling fans are ideal for living rooms and bedrooms. Alternatively, you can buy portable tower, pedestal and floor fans. Some fans boast innovative cooling technology to lower room temperatures in addition to increasing airflow. It’s worth shopping around and looking for bargains out of season. If you wait until a heatwave hits, you may find that prices are higher and popular products are out of stock.

Avoid adding more heat

It sounds obvious, but one of the best ways to keep your home cool when it’s scorching outside is to avoid adding more heat. This means avoiding using your oven, hob and appliances like hairdryers, irons and straighteners. Make sure your heating is turned off and switch off portable heaters. Sticking to cold meals will help you stay comfortable in the kitchen. Ideas include tapas-style teas, salads, pasta salads and wraps.

Cool and comfortable bedroom with lightweight bedding and soft natural light, designed to help improve sleep during hot summer weather.

Cool and comfortable bedroom with lightweight bedding and soft natural light, designed to help improve sleep during hot summer weather.

Many of us look forward to sunshine and rising temperatures during summer, but when there’s a heatwave, it can be difficult to stay cool and comfortable. Simple home hacks can help you create a more pleasant environment. Steps include keeping your windows, doors and curtains closed during the day and opening them at night to improve ventilation, adding fans, installing air conditioning and avoiding adding more heat through cooking and using electrical appliances like hairdryers and irons.