Q: I love the summer, but when the weather heats up there are times when the temperature in our home can become unbearable. What can I do to keep it cool?
A : An overheating home can make life very uncomfortable and could also have a negative impact on your health. Here are some simple steps you can take to help make your surroundings more bearable when the temperature rises:
Let cool air in
Open windows on opposite sides of your home to encourage air flow. It’s best to do this overnight or early in the morning when the temperature outside is cooler than it is inside. If you have a loft, opening the hatch can be a good way of letting heat escape. If you live in a property where you can only open one window, open internal doors to help the air circulate.
Keep the sunshine out
One of the most effective (and low cost) ways of keeping your home cool is to close your curtains or blinds on the side of the house where the sun is shining. Keep windows on all sides closed when it’s warmer outside than it is inside.
Use a fan
Fans help circulate the air and create a breeze, making your surroundings feel more pleasant. They are cheap to use – generally costing less than 2p an hour to run. If the temperature is cooler outside, put a fan by an open window to help draw fresh air into your home.
Escape the heat altogether
If things get really unbearable, you might want to consider heading to the nearest air conditioned building – perhaps a leisure centre or local library – to escape the heat.
Plan ahead for next time
Long-term, insulation can help
Energy efficient homes are easier to keep comfortable year-round. A well-insulated property can help prevent unwanted heat from entering during the summer, while retaining warmth during the winter. So, if your home tends to overheat, consider the following:
Improving your property’s wall and roof insulation
Replacing windows – especially with ‘low-emissivity’ glass
Ensuring the property is well ventilated
Installing window shutters to provide external shading
Adding solar panels, which can be helpful if you tend to use more electricity for cooling fans and/or air conditioning
You may be entitled to help with improvements to make your property more energy efficient. Check the ‘energy’ pages of the Citizen’s Advice website for information about schemes and grants that might be available.
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