The UK is experiencing its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures reaching 35C or higher. The Met Office has warned that areas of England and Wales will continue to exceed 30C through the weekend and into next week, with highs of 34C expected between areas west of London and eastern Devon. Amber and yellow heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) remain in force across swathes of England until Sunday as temperatures are expected to remain well above average. The heat is forecast to continue into the evenings, meaning more warm nights are on the horizon. Although humidity levels are lower than those experienced at the end of June, temperatures will still be warm, around the mid to high teens.
Simple kitchen item provides cooling relief
Most UK homes are designed to retain heat, and without air conditioning, cooling rooms down quickly during warm weather can be challenging. However, a simple, cost-effective solution involves placing an item from your kitchen on your windowsill: a bowl filled with cold water.
According to energy experts, placing a bowl of cold water on windowsills or worktops close to an open window when the weather is warm is a surprisingly effective and cheap way to cool down the air inside a room. The cold water absorbs heat from the air and turns it into vapour, lowering the overall air temperature. When placed in front of an open window, the breeze helps circulate this cool air into your home, cooling it down.
Expert endorsement and tips
LEAP Energy Advice stated: “Although it may seem peculiar, placing bowls of water around the house can aid in cooling the hot air. This simple technique can be surprisingly effective.” For faster cooling, bowls can be filled with ice cubes instead of cold water and placed in front of a fan. LEAP added: “If you need to cool down quickly, try placing a bowl of ice and cold water in front of your fan’s blades. This will cause the air blowing from the fan to pass over the icy water, creating a refreshing sensation on your skin. It’s like having a homemade, DIY air-conditioner!”
Cost comparison with air conditioning
While using a fan with the bowl of water is not essential, it yields better results. Running a fan impacts energy bills but costs a fraction of an air conditioner, which can be up to 40 times more expensive. The tip is backed by major energy supplier British Gas as a low-cost way to keep your home cool. British Gas said: “While fans aren’t the most expensive appliance to run, using one is still likely to impact your fuel bills - but there are some things you can do to get the most out of the energy you’re paying for. To really cool down a room with a fan, place a deep dish of ice in the front of it to whip up the water mist and chill the breeze. You can also point a box fan out of an open window in the evenings – this pushes the hot air out instead of just blowing it around the room.”
