A scorching 37C heatwave is set to bake the UK this Wednesday and Thursday, with the Met Office issuing a 36-hour red warning for extreme heat across 50 areas. Temperatures are expected to stay high all week, posing a danger to life and a risk of power loss.
Met Office Warning
In its warning, the Met Office said: "An exceptional spell of hot and humid weather is expected across this region, with impacts to the general population highly likely." In London, the temperature is forecast to hit at least 37C on Wednesday, while Thursday will be the hottest day in some other regions.
Appliances to Unplug
According to property experts David Wilson Homes, households should unplug several appliances to avoid heating up their property further. Oliver Novakovic, Head of Innovation at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, shared simple tips to keep your house cool.
He warned: "Turn-off the electricals - not only could this reduce energy bills, but it could also help reduce heat build-up in the house. Electronics such as televisions, computers, gaming consoles, and even phone chargers can produce heat."
Cost of Cooling Devices
According to BOXT, using a desk fan can add as much as £13.50 per month to your electricity bill, or £40.50 over three months. USwitch reports that running an electric shower also uses significant power, and people are more likely to shower more often in hot weather. A 10-minute shower each day costs about £3.41 per week; doubling to two showers a day increases that to £6.82.
Alternative Cooling Tips
Other ways to cool down without extra cost include opening your loft hatch. As Oliver explains, "As the hot air rises in your home, it can often get trapped on the second floor, where you may be trying to sleep. Opening the loft hatch can allow the air to rise further and away from your bedroom, helping to bring the temperatures down and allow for a better night's sleep."
Households should also swap to LED lightbulbs, which are cheaper to run and produce less heat. Oliver adds: "90% of the energy given out by traditional, incandescent light bulbs is heat, and whilst this may not seem a lot, it can contribute to a room's ambient temperature."
Summary of Appliances to Unplug
- Televisions
- Computers
- Gaming consoles
- Phone chargers
- Desk fans (to save money and reduce heat)
