With warm temperatures persisting this week, one expert has advised that UK households keep windows shut during a certain time of day in order to keep cool overnight. The trick prevents hot air from circulating in homes during the day. The expert, from Loughborough University, revealed exactly how Brits can benefit from the hack.
Expert Advice on Managing Heat
Dr Ben Roberts, a specialist in building performance and indoor environments, says that many Brits might be acting counterproductively when it comes to managing their homes during the heat. He said: “With overheating, it’s a simple heat balance problem. We have too much heat going in – and not enough heat going out.”
The expert also noted that dangerously warm indoor temperatures can affect sleep, health and even lead to death among those who might be vulnerable. He said: “The sun’s heat comes through windows, hot air infiltrates from outside, and even everyday activities like cooking, watching TV or running appliances all generate heat inside the home.”
Common Mistake to Avoid
The specialist pointed out the one mistake many households make. “Many people open their windows during the heat of the day, thinking it helps – but it actually does the opposite. During the day, your home can be a cool battery. The last thing you want to do is bring in hot air.”
He stressed that Brits should therefore be keeping windows shut during the daytime. He added that reflective blinds or light-coloured curtains drawn on the sunny side of the house will help too. “Then, when it cools down in the evening,” he adds, “that’s the time to open your windows and let the cooler air in.”
Nighttime Ventilation Tips
However, Dr Roberts acknowledges the downsides of opening windows in the evening. “Leaving a ground floor window open at night can feel unsafe,” he said. “But it’s exactly what we need to do – ideally paired with an open upstairs window to create a ‘stack effect’ where cool air flows in and warm air rises out.”
He stressed that, while the UK’s high temperatures may not damage buildings, they can pose serious risks to older adults, young children, babies and pregnant women. “Heat can cause short-term issues like dehydration or heatstroke, but also long-term health problems,” he warned.
But one of the biggest impacts that heat has on Brits is on their sleep. He concluded that, over time, sleep deprivation can lead to reduced productivity, increased illness risk, and potentially even contribute to long-term conditions like dementia.
