The UK is experiencing its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to reach 35C in isolated areas on Friday and Saturday, according to the Met Office. South East England has already met heatwave criteria after three days above 28C, and more regions are likely to follow. As homes struggle to stay cool, energy experts recommend a simple, cost-effective DIY solution: placing a bowl of cold water on windowsills or worktops near an open window.
How the Simple Tip Works
According to LEAP Energy Advice, this technique is surprisingly effective. The cold water absorbs heat from the air and turns it into vapour, lowering the overall air temperature. When placed in front of an open window, the breeze circulates this cool air into the home. For faster cooling, fill the bowl with ice cubes instead of cold water and place it in front of a fan.
LEAP Energy Advice stated: “Although it may seem peculiar, placing bowls of water around the house can aid in cooling the hot air. This simple technique can be surprisingly effective.”
Homemade Air Conditioner with a Fan
Using a fan with the bowl of ice and water creates a DIY air conditioner. LEAP added: “If you need to cool down quickly, try placing a bowl of ice and cold water in front of your fan’s blades. This will cause the air blowing from the fan to pass over the icy water, creating a refreshing sensation on your skin. It’s like having a homemade, DIY air-conditioner!”
While running a fan impacts energy bills, it costs a fraction of an air conditioner, which can be up to 40 times more expensive. British Gas, a major energy supplier, backs this low-cost method. British Gas said: “While fans aren’t the most expensive appliance to run, using one is still likely to impact your fuel bills - but there are some things you can do to get the most out of the energy you’re paying for. To really cool down a room with a fan, place a deep dish of ice in the front of it to whip up the water mist and chill the breeze. You can also point a box fan out of an open window in the evenings – this pushes the hot air out instead of just blowing it around the room.”
Heatwave Forecast and Advice
The Met Office warned that temperatures could rise to 33C on Wednesday in southern England, climbing to 34C on Thursday and up to 35C on Friday and Saturday. By the weekend, warm air is forecast to reach northern parts of the UK, with increasingly humid conditions. The Met Office said: “The hottest weather of the week is expected on Thursday and Friday as high pressure remains dominant. Under settled conditions, temperatures are forecast to build steadily day by day. Widely across southern England and Wales, temperatures of 33C to 34C are possible, with a small chance of reaching 35C in the hottest spots. Meanwhile, temperatures across Northern Ireland and southern Scotland could reach the upper 20s Celsius.”
As most UK homes are designed to retain warmth, keeping rooms cool during hot days is challenging. This simple, cheap tip offers a practical alternative to air conditioning, helping households stay comfortable without high energy costs.
