How tin foil can help cool your home
Households battling the fourth heatwave of the summer with temperatures reaching 33C in London on Wednesday, July 29, are being urged to use kitchen tin foil in windows. The Met Office forecasts highs of 33C, with heat health alerts in place from the UKHSA.
Tin foil, or aluminium foil, works by reflecting sunlight away from the window, preventing the greenhouse effect that magnifies heat indoors. Adam Pawson, Head of Digital at Safestyle, told Ideal Home: "Blocking your windows with tin foil will help to keep your rooms cooler in the heat as it reflects the heat back outside."
Place foil on the outside for best results
Pawson advised: "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."
The foil is non-toxic and does not melt until 660C, making it safe for use in a heatwave. A roll of kitchen foil costs around £1.20 at supermarkets including Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury's and Aldi.
Other tips to keep your house cool
Additional advice includes opening windows and doors only in the evening to allow cooler air in, and closing windows and curtains facing direct sunlight during the day. Placing bowls of water in rooms can help cool the air through evaporation. House plants also act as natural air conditioners by releasing moisture through transpiration.
Turning off unused appliances like ovens, toasters, laptops or games consoles reduces heat generation. Charging phones at night avoids adding warmth during the day. Swapping halogen light bulbs for energy-saving LEDs can also lower indoor temperatures, as halogen bulbs produce significant heat.
