Heat-busting tips to keep your house cool this summer
There is no denying that when the warmer weather arrives in the UK, many of us are not quite prepared for it. Our homes are built to keep heat in, not let it out, which can make things feel uncomfortable very quickly. So, what can you actually do about it in simple, practical terms? As with all of these articles, this is a general overview. Every home is different, and your circumstances will always play a part, but there are some straightforward steps you can take that will make a noticeable difference.
Before we get into those, it is worth addressing a few common misconceptions that could actually be making your home warmer rather than cooler.
What are people getting wrong?
Myth 1: Leaving windows open all day keeps your home cool
It feels like the obvious thing to do, but if the air outside is warmer than inside, you are simply letting heat in and trapping it. This can quickly make rooms feel more uncomfortable as the day goes on.
Myth 2: Fans cool the room
Fans are helpful, but they do not reduce the temperature of a space. What they do is move air around, which helps your body feel cooler. Used properly, they are still useful, just not in the way many people think.
Myth 3: Bowls of water will cool a room
This is one of those ideas that gets passed around but has very little real impact. It might feel like it should work, but in practice it will not noticeably change the temperature of a room.
Myth 4: Heat inside the home does not build up
It is easy to overlook how much heat everyday living creates. Appliances, lighting and electronics all contribute, and this can build up more than you might expect over the course of a day.
With those out of the way, let’s look at what does actually work.
Keeping the heat out
One of the most effective ways to keep your home cool is to stop the heat getting in in the first place. Curtains and blinds play a big role here. Keeping them closed during the hottest part of the day, usually between late morning and mid afternoon, acts as a barrier against direct sunlight. It is a simple change, but it can have a significant effect on indoor temperature.
If you still want some natural light, you can adjust blinds to let light in while reflecting heat away. Then, as the temperature drops in the evening, open everything up again to let the cooler air in.
Managing airflow properly
Ventilation is important, but timing is key. Rather than opening windows throughout the day, keep them closed when it is hottest outside. Then open them early in the morning or later in the evening when the air is cooler.
If possible, open windows on opposite sides of your home. This creates a flow of air through the property, helping to push warm air out and bring cooler air in. Trickle vents can also help here, allowing a small amount of fresh air to circulate without fully opening a window.
Looking at your windows long term
If you are thinking about making improvements to your home, your windows are worth considering. Energy-efficient options such as double or triple glazing are designed to regulate temperature. In winter they keep heat in, and in summer they help keep it out, which can make your home more comfortable all year round.
It is also worth noting that modern window installations now include trickle vents as standard, helping with ventilation and overall comfort.
Reducing heat from inside the home
It is not just the weather outside that affects how warm your home feels. What you do inside matters too. Cooking with the oven, using the tumble dryer or running multiple appliances can all raise the temperature, so it can help to shift these activities to the evening or look for alternatives.
Simple changes such as air-drying clothes, switching off unused electronics and cooking lighter meals can all help keep indoor temperatures down.
Using plants to your advantage
This is one that is often overlooked. Certain houseplants can help improve the indoor environment through a process called transpiration. In simple terms, they release moisture into the air, which can help regulate humidity and make the space feel fresher.
Plants like peace lilies and rubber plants are popular choices and can be an easy way to add both style and a small cooling benefit to your home.
Making small seasonal adjustments
There are also a few smaller changes that can make a difference. Lighter fabrics, such as cotton or linen, are more breathable and comfortable in warmer weather, while lighter colours reflect heat rather than absorb it.
Swapping out heavier bedding or soft furnishings can help rooms feel cooler, particularly at night, and even removing thick rugs during summer can make a space feel fresher.
Considering air conditioning
Air conditioning can be effective, but for most UK homes it is not always the most practical solution. We typically only experience a few weeks of hotter weather each year, so the cost of buying and running a unit does not always feel justified.
Portable air conditioning units are the most common option, as they are easy to set up and can be used in specific rooms. They can work well for short bursts, such as cooling a bedroom before bed, but they do use a fair amount of electricity and can be noisy.
For many households, it makes more sense to rely on simpler, lower-cost methods day to day, and use air conditioning only if the heat becomes difficult to manage.
Final thoughts
Keeping your home cool in the summer does not need to be complicated or expensive. In many cases, it comes down to using your home a little differently. By avoiding common mistakes, managing when and how you let air in, and making a few practical adjustments, you can create a much more comfortable space.
As always, if you are thinking about making bigger changes to your home, it is worth taking advice to see what will work best for you. There are often more options available than you might expect, and the right approach can make a real difference not just in summer, but all year round.
