Easy ways to keep your home cool during a British heatwave

As temperatures in Britain reach soaring heights this summer, we know how you may be battling to keep your home comfortable and cool during a heatwave. There are simple, affordable, and eco-friendly ways to make it more bearable when the temperature rises. At Charles David Casson we have put together some of our favourite tips to keep your home cool so you can survive the summer with ease.

Close the curtains

One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your house cool during a British heatwave is to close the curtains during the hottest part of the day. Sunlight streaming in through windows can heat up your house quickly, so blocking it out will help keep the interior cooler. If you have windows that face the sun, make sure to close the curtains or blinds on those windows first. This will help to reduce the amount of heat that enters your house through those windows, keeping the interior cooler and more comfortable.

Use fans wisely

Fans can provide some much-needed relief during a heatwave, but they can also be a drain on your electricity bill if not used efficiently. Use fans strategically: Place fans in rooms where you spend the most time, and position them to blow air towards you. If possible, use a combination of ceiling fans and standing fans to create a cross-breeze. And remember to turn off fans when you leave the room – they only cool people, not rooms.

Turn off heat sources

It’s easy to forget that our everyday activities, like cooking and using electronics, can generate a surprising amount of heat. To keep your home cool during a heatwave, be conscious of the heat sources in your house and try to reduce them as much as possible. Avoid using your oven during the hottest parts of the day. Cooking generates a lot of heat and can make your home feel like a sauna.

Instead, opt for outdoor grilling or prepare meals that don’t require heat, such as salads and sandwiches. If you do need to cook indoors, use a microwave instead. Another common source of heat is electronics, such as televisions, computers, and gaming consoles. When not in use, turn these devices off completely or unplug them to avoid generating unnecessary heat.

Keep windows open

Opening your windows may seem counterintuitive in hot weather, but it’s an effective way to keep your house cool during a heatwave. Opening windows creates a cross-breeze that promotes air circulation and prevents stagnant air from heating up.

It’s best to open your windows in the early morning or late evening when the air outside is cooler. You can also open them during the day if the temperature drops or if there’s a breeze outside. Make sure you keep your curtains closed during the hottest part of the day to prevent the sun from heating up your home.

It’s also important to keep windows and doors closed on the side of your house that faces the sun. This prevents hot air from entering and heating your home. By opening windows strategically, you can keep your house cool without using any energy or spending any money.

Create a DIY air conditioner

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to cool down your home during a heatwave, create a DIY air conditioner. Take an empty one-litre plastic bottle, freeze it, place it on a tray and cover it with a damp cloth. Place it in front of a fan, and your room will be cooled by the breeze from the frozen bottle. There is no easier way to do it. This homemade air conditioner is a quick and easy way to stay cool!

Mop your floor

This is a tip that Channel 4’s Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud shared with Radio Times. To keep their houses cool during the heat of the sun, homeowners in Italian hilltop villages use this technique. “Mop your floors in the morning but don’t mop the water off, just leave it there to evaporate.” This is because “The water evaporates; to do so it draws energy from its immediate environment. So, sun heats water, water evaporates off, stone becomes cool. Air passing over stone into house becomes cool.”

Make it comfortable

We hope by using some of our tips you can enjoy more restful sleeps and a cooler home whilst we are enjoying these wonderful summertime temperatures. If you are looking for a hot property in Chelmsford give our team a call on 01245 835859.