As the UK swelters in a heatwave with temperatures reaching 34C, a simple, cost-effective trick using a common kitchen item can help keep homes cool at night. Placing a bowl filled with cold water on windowsills or worktops near an open window can create a cooling effect, according to energy experts.
Temperatures Soar Across the UK
Temperatures across the UK have climbed sharply, with the Met Office forecasting highs of 34C or above in parts of the country. An amber extreme heat warning will come into effect across much of southern England and south-eastern Wales from 1am on Monday until 23.59pm on Tuesday. The Met Office cautions that the scorching conditions could result in serious health impacts, travel disruption, and potential power outages.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Greg Wolverson said: "Temperatures will peak around the mid-30s Celsius on Monday and Tuesday. The humidity will also mean this feels close, warmer and more uncomfortable for many. Tropical nights - where the temperature doesn't drop below 20C - are also likely for some."
A Simple Cooling Solution
The vast majority of UK properties are built to retain heat, and for those without air conditioning, bringing room temperatures down swiftly is rarely straightforward. However, there is a remarkably simple, cost-effective remedy: a bowl of cold water placed on a windowsill.
Energy experts suggest that positioning a bowl of cold water on windowsills or worktops near an open window during warm weather is an efficient and inexpensive method of reducing indoor temperature. The cold water absorbs heat from the surrounding air and converts it into vapour, lowering the overall temperature. When positioned in front of an open window, the incoming breeze helps circulate this cooled air throughout the home.
Expert Endorsement
LEAP Energy Advice said: "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 those wanting to accelerate the process, filling bowls with ice cubes instead of cold water and placing them in front of a fan can prove even more effective. 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!"
While combining a fan with the bowl of water isn't strictly necessary, running a fan will improve results by circulating the cooled air. Fans cost a fraction of what an air conditioning unit would — which can be up to 40 times more expensive to run — making this a well-worthwhile method.
British Gas Advice
The advice is endorsed by major energy provider British Gas as an affordable method of keeping both home and body cool when the mercury rises. 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."
