As temperatures soar, millions of UK residents find themselves unprepared for endless heat. While stripping down offers temporary relief, a better plan involves room-by-room cooling strategies and available appliances. From neck fans for the kitchen to proper air conditioning for the living room, here is a cheat sheet to beating the heat.
The living room
The living room is often the most-used space. Portable air conditioners are a top choice but are largely out of stock due to unprecedented demand. At the time of writing, the Dreo Smart 3-in-1 12000 BTU is available at Amazon for £600, but supplies are limited. An alternative is strategic thermal ventilation: keep windows closed and curtains or blinds drawn during peak sunlight. If curtains are absent, cardboard works similarly. In the evening, if temperatures drop, open windows and use a fan like the Duux fan (£79.99, Amazon) to push hot air out.
Air coolers, which work by evaporating water, are another option. Priced lower than air conditioners, they are available at Currys (£109), Argos (£85), and Amazon (£69.99). However, they add moisture, increasing humidity, so they are only effective in dry climates. For humid conditions, avoid them. Dehumidifiers do not lower temperature but remove moisture, reducing the apparent temperature. Models include Meaco’s low-energy dehumidifier at AO.com (£259) and a Logik model at Currys (£149) designed for large rooms.
The kitchen
To keep the kitchen cool, block direct sunlight. Use low-heat appliances like air fryers, cook during cooler hours, and run extractor fans to remove hot air and steam. Air coolers add humidity, so a neck fan is a better short-term solution. The Status neck fan costs £12.99 at Robert Dyas, while the Sony REON Pocket Pro Plus personal aircon system is £199 at Sony.co.uk—a game-changer for staying cool.
The bedroom
Keep heat out by closing curtains and windows during the hottest part of the day. Open them in the cooler evening and use an electric fan like a £14.99 option from Amazon to blow hot air out and draw cool air in. However, if temperatures exceed 35°C—as forecast for London and the Southeast this weekend—do not use fans, as they can raise skin temperature.
The bathroom
A cold shower is a great ally, but avoid freezing water as it can constrict blood vessels and trap core heat. Experts recommend water at 10–15°C for 1–2 minutes. A cool bath works similarly. Keep the bathroom cool by using windows and blinds, and run an extractor fan to reduce humidity.
Keeping your cool
Overall, keep windows and curtains closed during the day, use fans to circulate cool air at night, and avoid introducing extra heat. Once the air is cool, open windows throughout the house for cross-ventilation. Keep ice handy—Cook’s Professional ice maker (£129, Amazon) is recommended. Stay hydrated, and enjoy the summer responsibly.
