Beat the Heat: Expert Tips on Cooling Your Home During a Heatwave

Strategically Open Windows

While it may seem beneficial to keep windows open throughout the day for a possible breeze, doing so can actually bring in warmer air when it’s hotter outside.

It’s best to open your windows wide during the cooler nighttime hours or early mornings and then close them as the day warms up.

Creating a cross breeze by opening windows across from each other in your home can also help.

Shade Your Windows

A significant amount of heat enters through windows via thermal radiation, heating up both surfaces and the air within a space, which in turn increases the room’s overall temperature.

Drawing the curtains or blinds can block this heat, keeping it from penetrating further into your space.

Externally Shade Your Windows

Placing a sheet or another type of cover outside your windows can prevent thermal radiation from warming your indoor space, significantly aiding in cooling on extremely hot days.

This is why many homes in warmer regions are equipped with external shutters.

According to a study sponsored by the British Blind & Shutter Association on a London apartment building, rooms without external shading reached temperatures up to 47.5C, whereas those with external blinds installed only reached up to 28C.

Consider a Fan

Fans, which come in various styles such as pedestal, tower, and desk models, do not cool rooms but can make you feel cooler by circulating air, as long as the temperature is below 35C.

Recently, a Guardian article highlighted some top fan choices including the AirCraft Lume pedestal fan and the Devola desk fan, known for their efficiency and affordability.

Choosing an energy-efficient fan not only helps with cost but also reduces the amount of heat the device emits. Positioning a fan near a window during cooler times can also help bring fresh air inside.

Alternatively, Use an Evaporative Cooler

An evaporative cooler, which works by passing air through a moistened material, can cool the air slightly through the process of water evaporation. This type of cooler is more effective in dry conditions, which might not always be ideal in the typically humid British summertime.

A recent review favored the Swan 5 Litre Nordic Air Cooler. For a makeshift solution, you might try wetting a sealed tile floor to cool it through evaporation, though this could potentially harm your flooring and increase indoor humidity.

Deploy a Dehumidifier

Commonly used in damp conditions, dehumidifiers can also alleviate discomfort during hot weather by reducing humidity, which facilitates more effective body cooling through perspiration. However, they do emit some heat, which might counteract their cooling effect.

Craft Homemade Air Conditioning

For a simple DIY cooling solution, position a bowl of ice water in front of a fan to chill the blowing air. More elaborate setups involve using an insulated box with ice and a fan to create a more sustained cooling effect.

Invest in a Portable Air Conditioner

While full air conditioning systems can be costly, portable air conditioners offer a less expensive option. These units can effectively cool smaller spaces and are easier to set up, though they do generate some internal heat and need to vent hot air outside.

Reduce Indoor Heat Sources

Minimize heat production indoors by turning off heat-generating appliances and avoiding oven use. Cooking outdoors or late at night when it’s cooler can also help maintain a more comfortable indoor temperature.

Opt for Chilled Foods

Eating cold meals like salads or sandwiches and staying hydrated with chilled beverages can help your body stay cool.

Enjoy Refreshing Showers

Cool showers can effectively lower your body temperature. It’s best to avoid extremely cold water as it can cause your blood vessels to constrict, reducing heat loss from your body.

Seek Refuge in Air-Conditioned Spaces

If your home remains uncomfortably hot, consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces like malls or movie theaters. Some also find temporary relief by booking a stay in an air-conditioned hotel.