Closing curtains or blinds for just five seconds can make upstairs bedrooms significantly cooler during a heatwave, eliminating the need for fans or air conditioning. According to the Met Office, upper-floor rooms are typically five to 15 degrees hotter than the rest of the house, with master bedrooms often the worst offenders due to large windows and higher ceilings.
Why Upstairs Feels Hotter
The temperature imbalance is a matter of physics: warm air is lighter than cool air because its molecules spread further apart. Lighter hot air rises to the second floor, while denser cool air sinks and becomes trapped downstairs. This natural phenomenon can make upstairs bedrooms feel like saunas, even when the ground floor remains comfortable.
The Five-Second Fix
The Met Office recommends a simple, cost-free solution: closing curtains or blinds in rooms that face the sun. This acts as a shield against solar heat, preventing heat from building up indoors. If you lack window dressings, hanging a bedsheet or towel over the window provides a similar effect. The entire process takes just five seconds but can reduce indoor temperatures significantly.
Additional Tips for Keeping Cool
While blocking sunlight is effective, the Met Office also advises keeping windows and doors closed during the hottest part of the day to retain cooler air inside. As evening temperatures drop, opening windows helps ventilate the home and allows cooler air to circulate. Keeping interior doors open improves airflow on the second floor, preventing heat from becoming trapped in specific rooms.
“Closing curtains or blinds in rooms that face the sun can help prevent heat from building up indoors,” a Met Office spokesperson said. “This is one of the most effective ways to manage high temperatures during a heatwave.”
Impact on Sleep and Comfort
Without these measures, households may experience hot, sleepless nights. The temperature difference between upstairs and downstairs can be as much as 15 degrees Fahrenheit, making rest difficult. By implementing the five-second curtain-closing task, residents can create a more comfortable sleeping environment without relying on fans or air conditioning, which can be costly and energy-intensive.
