Households are being urged to use kitchen tin foil on windows to keep homes cool as the UK experiences its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to peak at 36C on Thursday, August 13.
How Tin Foil Helps Keep Homes Cool
British Gas recommends using reflective foil, a low-cost method that can reduce heat and glare by up to 99%. Jessica Rawstron, a British Gas Smart Energy Engineer, explained: "This is an affordable and super effective tool for keeping your house cool in summer by keeping the sun’s rays at bay. It’s not very expensive and widely used in hotter climates, and it can reduce heat and glare by up to 99%."
She added that reflective window film can also provide privacy, protect furniture from UV rays, and prevent sun damage. The foil works by reflecting the sun's heat back outside, unlike direct sunlight which magnifies heat through windows, similar to a greenhouse effect.
Placement Tips and Other Cooling Methods
Adam Pawson, Head of Digital at Safestyle, advised placing foil on the outside of windows: "However, one mistake people make is by placing the foil on the inside of the window. It is really important to be careful to place the tin foil on the outside of your windows rather than the inside to prevent the glass from getting too hot."
Other tips include opening windows and doors only in the evening, keeping curtains drawn during the day, placing bowls of water around the house, using house plants, turning off unused appliances, and switching to LED bulbs.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health alerts for much of England from 10am Friday until 9pm Tuesday, with forecasts suggesting these may be extended.
