As the UK braces for another heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 34°C in parts of the South East, households are seeking effective ways to keep their homes cool. A simple method recommended by experts involves using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, two of the most frequently used and heat-prone rooms in any home.
How Extractor Fans Can Cool Your Home
British Gas advises that extractor fans, typically installed to remove steam and odours, can be repurposed during hot weather to improve airflow and reduce indoor temperatures. The energy company states: 'Extractors don't just get rid of smells and steam from cooking and showering – during hot weather they can be put to double use.'
The strategy involves opening internal doors and running the extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens continuously. This creates a draft that draws cooler air from elsewhere in the house and expels warm, humid air outside. British Gas recommends doing this after cooking or showering, as these activities increase both humidity and heat.
Maximising Airflow and Cooling
To optimise the effect, British Gas suggests opening windows and vents in other parts of the home to allow fresh, cooler air to replace the warm air being expelled. Once the fan is switched off, internal doors should be closed to prevent warm air from flowing back into the cooled rooms.
During the hottest parts of the day, it is advisable to keep windows closed to prevent hot outdoor air from entering. British Gas explains: 'Tempting as it might be to throw your windows open during a heatwave, leaving them shut when the day is at its hottest will keep rooms cool in summer. So try to only let in the air early, or late, in the day.'
Additional Tips for Staying Cool
For the bedroom, opening internal doors and windows in the evening allows trapped hot air to escape, especially when windows on opposite sides of the property are opened to create cross-ventilation. Keeping unused rooms closed off during the day helps maintain cooler temperatures in occupied spaces.
With temperatures forecast to climb to 29°C on Sunday and into the low 30s next week, peaking at 34°C on Thursday and Friday in the South East, these simple steps can provide welcome relief without relying solely on electric fans or air conditioning.
