With temperatures soaring to 38°C in parts of the UK, a heating expert has shared a simple hack using a common garden item to cool your home. Adam Chapman, founder of the home-heating resource Heat Geek, demonstrated the technique in a 2024 YouTube video, where he outlined 17 tips for maintaining cooler homes.
Water Your Roof Tiles
Chapman said: "I'm just watering our roof, which is actually tip number two - spray down your roof tiles. Roof tiles absorb heat then radiate it back down into the house. If you can cool off those tiles, you're also cooling down the house." The hack involves using a garden hose or sprayer to wet the roof, which can reduce the temperature inside the home.
However, the hack may not be suitable for everyone. It requires safe access to the roof and may be restricted by hosepipe bans, such as those in Kent. Residents should check local water restrictions before attempting.
Other Cooling Methods
Other experts recommend keeping blinds, curtains, and shutters closed during the day to block out the sun. Home experts at Country Living advise: "Do this early on in the day, long before temperatures peak. You may also wish to consider using a reflective surface at windows, such as a reflective window film, external foil screens or budget-friendly tin foil, to bounce the heat away."
In the evening, once temperatures drop, opening windows can help flush out hot air. The Red Cross suggests focusing on cooling one room: "Keep windows covered and shut and close doors to stop warm air entering." They also recommend avoiding rooms that generate heat, like kitchens.
Fan Tips
Consumer watchdog Which? suggests using fans only when you are in the room, placing them near a window if it is cooler outside, and putting a bowl of ice in front of the fan for extra cooling.
The UK experienced its hottest June temperatures on record on Wednesday, June 24, with Hampshire reaching 36.1°C and hundreds of schools closing. The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning for Thursday, with highs of 38°C expected across parts of the country.
