When the mercury rises, maintaining a comfortable temperature indoors can seem like a losing battle. Sweltering conditions can transform your home into an oven, particularly if you lack air conditioning or wish to sidestep the additional energy expenses of operating fans continuously.
The positive news is that numerous straightforward, practical methods exist to maintain cooler indoor environments during extreme heat. Many of these approaches can be implemented within minutes using household items you likely already have.
From preventing sunlight from entering to optimising natural air circulation, these handy suggestions can help you combat the heat without relying on costly equipment.
Stop relying on fans alone
When sunshine appears, our natural instinct before venturing outdoors is to draw back our curtains at home and allow the glorious light to stream in. However, this can actually increase indoor temperatures, reports the Express.
To maintain a cooler home, shut your blinds, curtains and shutters throughout the day to prevent direct sunlight and stop heat accumulation inside. If you're relying on curtains, opt for lighter materials where feasible, as thick, heavy fabrics can trap heat and cause rooms to feel warmer.
"Do this early on in the day, long before temperatures peak. You may also wish to consider using a reflective surface at windows, such as a reflective window film, external foil screens or budget-friendly tin foil, to bounce the heat away," reported home experts at Country Living.
Natural ventilation
As evening approaches, daytime temperatures start to fall. During the summer months, this typically happens after 8pm.
Home experts recommend taking advantage of this period to air out your property. They shared: "While you seal everything shut during the day, these are the times to fling open the window (and doors when awake), especially those upstairs, to flush out the hot air and let in the cool air."
Where possible, generating a cross breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the property will cool things down further.
Make one room cool
According to the Red Cross, keeping your entire house cool is no easy feat. Instead, you should designate a particular area or select one or two rooms to maintain at a cooler temperature.
They warned: "Keep windows covered and shut and close doors to stop warm air entering."
They added: "Try to avoid, or spend as little time in as possible, rooms that will be hard to keep cool, like a kitchen where heat is generated by appliances and cooking devices, or rooms with large windows where the sun is shining."
Should you choose to use an electric fan, ensure you operate it efficiently to prevent unnecessary energy consumption. Here's what to do, according to watchdog Which?:
- Don't turn it on unless you're in the room, as it wastes energy and doesn't cool your room.
- If it's colder outside than in, then place your fan by your window. But if it is hot, then avoid placing fans near windows.
- If it is too hot, try to place a bowl or glass of ice under your fan - this will act like an air conditioner.
