Summer heatwaves in Britain have made sleeping difficult, but a simple evening routine can cool your bedroom without a fan or any expense. British Gas recommends opening windows and internal doors after sunset to let trapped heat escape and bring in cooler night air.
Why Evening Ventilation Works
During a heatwave, the air outside is significantly cooler later in the day. British Gas states: "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." Opening windows in the evening allows the accumulated heat to exit the home, reducing indoor temperatures.
Step-by-Step Cooling Strategy
To implement this trick, keep unused rooms closed during the day to block out hot air. Once evening arrives, open windows on opposite sides of the house to create cross-ventilation. British Gas advises: "Opening internal doors when you open windows in the evening will get the air flowing again and stop your home feeling stuffy." This encourages airflow, replacing warm indoor air with cooler outdoor air.
Additional Tips for Flats and Upper Floors
For those living in flats with windows on only one side, British Gas suggests opening internal doors and using a fan to circulate the air. Since warm air rises, opening skylights or loft windows helps remove trapped heat on upper floors. The energy firm warns: "Otherwise, it can get trapped on the second floor. As that's where bedrooms tend to be, it can make them too hot to sleep in comfortably."
Last month, England recorded its hottest June ever, with temperatures reaching 37.7C on June 26 in Lingwood, Norfolk. Forecasts predict further highs in the low to mid 30Cs across England and Wales, making this cooling method particularly timely.
