As the UK braces for another heatwave with forecasters predicting temperatures could reach 33C, experts have revealed the best window to open to cool your home down. The advice comes as southern England is expected to hit 30C today (Friday, June 19) and 32C on Sunday, with the possibility of 33C by Monday.
Which Window Should You Open?
According to Mikey Story of UK Flat Roofing & Insulation Specialists, the loft window is the best one to open. He explains that the upper floor of a house tends to be the warmest because hot air rises. By opening the loft window, you create an escape route for this heat, helping to lower the temperature throughout the house.
Story told Grand Designs Magazine: 'Opening your loft hatch can help you cool down your entire home significantly. The second floor is usually the warmest area because hot air rises. So, creating an escape route for this heat can help lower the temperature throughout the house. If your loft has a window, opening it allows warm air to exit through the highest point of the house.'
He added: 'Especially if you also open other windows to promote airflow. This method works best if your loft is insulated between the rafters.'
Alternative for Single-Storey Homes
For those who do not live in a multi-storey property, an alternative is to use a fan. Rather than directing it into a room, position it facing outward through an open window. Experts at Which? explained: 'If it's cooler outside than inside, try pointing your fan out of an open window instead of directly at you. Fans don't cool the air, they move it, so this can help push hot air out of the room and draw cooler air in through other windows or gaps.'
UK Heatwave Forecast
The Met Office has cautioned that the UK will experience considerably warmer conditions over the forthcoming days. Deputy Chief Forecast Gregory Wolverson stated: 'As we move towards the weekend, we'll see conditions become more widely settled and temperatures rise all round. Many parts of southern and eastern England are likely to see temperatures high enough to meet heatwave thresholds.'
He added: 'It's important to note that while temperatures may be high, we might not all see the wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies we experienced back in May because there is more cloud around. There is also a chance of thunderstorms developing in places, particularly later each day, which could bring heavy showers and localised impacts.'
