As the UK braces for record-breaking temperatures, with the Met Office issuing its first red warning for extreme heat, many are seeking ways to keep their homes cool. Temperatures could top 40°C on Monday and Tuesday in parts of England, from London to Manchester and York.
Experts advise keeping windows closed during the day when the outside air is hotter than inside. Chris Nye, property expert at Your Overseas Home, explains: "It might seem counterintuitive, but if the air outside is hotter than the air in your home, keeping your windows closed could help your home stay a little cooler."
Keeping blinds and curtains closed during the day can also reduce heat gain. Nye recommends blackout curtains to block sunlight completely. For hay fever sufferers, closed windows help keep pollen out.
At night, when temperatures drop, opening windows can help cool the home. Dr Lindsay Browning, sleep expert at And So To Bed, says: "After the sun goes down, the outside air will start to cool down. At this point, it is a great idea to open the windows to let in a breeze of cool external air into the bedroom."
Using an indoor thermometer can help determine whether your home is cooler than outside. With temperatures forecast to reach the high 30s, homes may be one of the cooler places to be, so keeping windows closed during the day is recommended.
