British Gas has shared a simple, appliance-free method to cool down bedrooms during a heatwave, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep without relying on fans or air conditioning.
Why Bedrooms Get Stuffy
The UK has experienced multiple heatwaves this summer, with last month being England's warmest June on record. Temperatures hit 37.7C (99.9F) on June 26 at Lingwood, Norfolk. High temperatures can make rooms hot and stuffy, disrupting sleep. Many people use fans, but they can be noisy and often recirculate hot air.
The Simple Step: Close Windows by Day, Open by Night
British Gas advises keeping windows shut during the hottest part of the day to prevent hot air from entering. Instead, open windows and internal doors in the early morning or late evening when outdoor temperatures are lower. This encourages cross-ventilation, allowing warm air to escape and cooler air to flow in.
According to British Gas: "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."
How to Maximise Airflow
For best results, open windows on opposite sides of the home to create a draft. If you live in a flat with windows on only one side, British Gas suggests opening internal doors and using a fan to move air. Additionally, open skylights or loft windows to release trapped hot air, as heat rises and can accumulate on upper floors where bedrooms are often located.
"Opening internal doors when you open windows in the evening will get the air flowing again and stop your home feeling stuffy," British Gas added. "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."
