As parts of the UK swelter under record-breaking temperatures, an Australian expert offers low-energy ways to cool down, from fly screens and no-cook meals to air coolers that use a fraction of the electricity of air conditioning. While air conditioning can be life-saving, these methods focus on environmentally friendly alternatives.
Draw the Curtains Early
Stuart Walker, a research fellow in sustainability assessment at the University of Sheffield, suggests closing curtains on hot days before the room heats up. "If the sun enters a room over a period of time, it will heat up and then it will stay hot," Walker says. "So don't respond when the room is already hot. You need to have responded nine hours ago when the sun was first shining in that room." In Australia, this habit is ingrained: blinds are closed as soon as the sun comes in or before leaving for the day.
Consider Blinds or Thermal Curtains
Honeycomb blinds, like Duette, are particularly effective for stopping heat gain and also reduce heat loss in winter due to their cellular shape that traps air pockets. For smaller windows, venetian blinds offer flexibility. Thermal curtains with insulation and a pelmet are efficient, but lighter colours are preferable as darker shades absorb heat and can act like radiators.
Let the Night Air In
Once the sun goes down, open windows and doors to create cross-breezes. Installing fly screens, an Australian essential, allows windows to stay open without letting pests inside. Renters can use magnetic or Velcro fly screens. Walker suggests switching bedrooms to the coolest room in the house, which is often north-facing with small windows or on a lower floor where hot air rises.
Use Fans Wisely
Prof Ollie Jay, director of the Heat and Health Research Centre at the University of Sydney, says fans are effective below 40°C. "The bigger the fan, the better, basically," Jay advises. Large pedestal fans create the greatest airflow, while smaller fans help with perception of heat but don't significantly affect whole-body heat loss. Above 35°C, fan use can become detrimental, especially in dry conditions.
Get Up Early and Dress for the Weather
Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. Exercise, walk the dog, and water the garden just after dawn. Close blinds and doors to south- and west-facing rooms to stop heat entering. For clothing, loose-fitting garments made from natural fibres like cotton or linen are best, as they allow for better evaporation. Lighter colours reflect heat, while darker shades absorb it.
Stay Hydrated
Carry a full water bottle and drink more than you think you need. Australian guidelines suggest at least 2.5 litres for men and 2.1 litres for women, while the NHS recommends 6 to 8 cups (1.2 to 2 litres) daily. Tea and coffee contribute to fluid intake, but alcohol can dehydrate. Hydration products like Hydralyte can help after drinking or sweating.
Seek Shade and Lower Your Temperature
When outdoors, stay in the shade of trees or bring shade with a wide-brim hat. Between 11am and 3pm, avoid direct sun. A cool shower or splashing cold water on the face can lower body temperature. Applying a wet towel to the back of the neck provides relief. Evaporative coolers, like the Swan Nordic 2-in-1, use water to cool air and consume less electricity than air conditioning.
Restructure Your Day and Consider Air Conditioning
If temperatures exceed 35°C, at-risk groups (children under five, people over 65, pregnant women, or those with chronic illnesses) should take extra precautions. In Australia, heat shelters are common; in the UK, air-conditioned public spaces like shopping centres or cinemas can serve as refuges. For those who need it, air-to-air heat pumps are more energy-efficient than traditional air conditioners, though they require installation.
