Simple ways to keep your home cool during a UK heatwave

Keeping Cool During a UK Heatwave without Air Conditioning

If you are wondering how to keep your home cool during a UK heatwave, these simple steps can help you cool down a room without air conditioning and make hot weather more manageable.

Create a cool room for the hottest hours

When a heatwave is at its peak, it can help to choose one room as your cool room and focus your efforts there. Pick the shadiest space in the house, ideally downstairs, and keep doors to warmer rooms closed. Add a fan, a jug of cold water and light bedding or seating so you have somewhere comfortable to retreat to during the afternoon.

Avoid adding extra heat indoors

During very hot weather, even small sources of heat can make rooms feel stuffy. Try to avoid using the oven, tumble dryer or unnecessary electrical appliances during the warmest part of the day. Choose cold meals, cook earlier in the morning or use a microwave or air fryer if needed. This can help keep your home cooler without much effort.

Keep yourself hydrated and cool

A cool home helps, but it is just as important to look after your body during a heatwave. Keep a drink nearby and sip water regularly, even if you do not feel particularly thirsty. Light, loose clothing can also make a big difference indoors. If you start to feel too warm, apply a cool damp cloth to your wrists, neck or feet.

Keep the windows closed and draw the curtains

Although it may be tempting to open the windows as soon as the temperature rises, doing so can backfire. To maintain a cool house, it is crucial to keep the hot air outside. This entails keeping the windows closed during the day, especially if they face south. Additionally, keep the blinds and curtains drawn. Once the temperature drops at night, you can open the windows and allow fresh air to circulate.

Create a cross-breeze throughout the house

While we recommend keeping the windows closed as much as possible, we understand the desire for a refreshing breeze during hot weather. If you need to open the windows, do so strategically to create a flow of air throughout the house. Open windows on opposite sides of the house or room, and keep the doors open to allow air movement. You can also position a fan to face an open window, helping to push hot air outside. If feasible, keep the curtains and blinds closed or partially closed to deflect direct sunlight. For sash windows, ensure that both the top and bottom are open in equal amounts, as this allows cool air to enter through the lower opening and warm air to exit through the top, according to Victorian theory.

Place bowls of water around the house

Although it may seem peculiar, placing bowls of water around the house can aid in cooling the hot air. This simple technique can be surprisingly effective.

Switch to energy-efficient LEDs when replacing lightbulbs

Did you know that traditional incandescent light bulbs are highly inefficient, with up to 90% of their energy being emitted as heat? On the other hand, energy-saving light bulbs convert 90% of the energy into light. When your old bulbs burn out, consider replacing them with low-energy options. These bulbs generate less heat and consume less energy.

Low Cost Ways to Keep Your Home Cool

These low cost ways to keep your home cool can help during hot weather without relying on air conditioning or expensive changes.

Make simple external shade

Stopping sunlight before it reaches the glass can be more effective than trying to cool a room afterwards. If you do not have shutters or awnings, a light-coloured sheet, towel or temporary shade on the outside of a sunny window can help reduce heat build-up. Just make sure anything you use is safely secured and does not block ventilation at night.

Cool down soft furnishings

Sofas, rugs and heavy bedding can hold onto heat long after the sun has moved round. During a heatwave, swap thick throws and cushions for lighter fabrics where you can, and roll up rugs in rooms that feel particularly warm. If you have cotton sheets or pillowcases, keep a spare set in a cool cupboard and change them before bedtime.

Use cooler spaces more often

Sometimes the cheapest cooling trick is simply changing how you use your home. South-facing rooms and loft bedrooms can become uncomfortable during the afternoon, while shaded rooms, hallways or downstairs spaces may stay cooler for longer. During a heatwave, move work, meals or relaxation time to the coolest part of the house and close off rooms that are gathering heat.

Invest in a fan and use it wisely

Electric fans can be a lifesaver during the summer months. However, since they consume energy, it’s important to use them efficiently. Heat rises, so the coolest air in your house will be near the floor. If you have a fan, place it on the floor and direct it upwards. Position it to blow air towards the opposite wall, ensuring no large objects obstruct the airflow. This will cause cooler air to bounce off the wall and circulate back into the room, mixing with the warm air and helping to lower the temperature. If your fan has a timer, it’s a great way to ensure it operates only when necessary, saving energy.

Consider using an ice fan

If you need to cool down quickly, try placing a bowl of ice and cold water in front of your fan’s blades. This will cause the air blowing from the fan to pass over the icy water, creating a refreshing sensation on your skin. It’s like having a homemade, DIY air-conditioner!

Tips for Sleeping in the Heat

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial, especially during hot summer nights. We’ve all experienced restless tossing and turning, which is far from ideal. Here are two ways to keep your bedroom and yourself cool during the summer.

Take a cold shower before bedtime

Sometimes, tricking your body into feeling cooler is the best way to combat the heat. Taking a quick cold shower just before going to bed can help achieve this. Be cautious not to make the water too cold, and avoid doing this immediately after being exposed to intense heat, as rapid changes in body temperature can be unhealthy.

Transform your hot water bottle into an ice pack

Believe it or not, a hot water bottle can also be used to cool down. Fill it with water and place it in the freezer a few hours before bedtime. Once frozen, it will emit coldness in the same way it releases heat when filled with hot water. Put the ice pack in your bed before getting in or position it under your feet to help regulate your body temperature as you drift off to sleep.

Bigger Investments for Keeping Rooms Cool

If you are considering taking more substantial steps to keep your home cool, here are some things to consider.

Window insulation

Energy-efficient windows have the advantage of keeping the heat inside your home during the winter and effectively blocking the sun’s heat during the summer. If you are thinking about replacing your windows, check out our comprehensive guide to energy-efficient windows and doors.

Awnings and shutters

Installing awnings or shutters can provide maximum shade and protection from the sun’s rays. These additions are an excellent way to stay cool without relying on electricity.

Wall insulation

While most people associate insulation with retaining heat during cold weather, it is equally effective at keeping heat out. If possible, consider investing in insulation for your walls. Take a look at our guides on roof and loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and solid wall insulation for more information.

By following these tips and making informed investments, you can effectively keep your house cool and comfortable during the summer months. Stay cool and enjoy the warm weather!