Upper-floor rooms can be up to 15 degrees warmer than the rest of your home during a heatwave, but a simple five-second job can help keep them cool. The Met Office has issued guidance for staying cool as Britain experiences soaring temperatures.
Why Upstairs Gets Hotter
Upper-floor rooms are generally five to 15 degrees warmer than the remainder of the property, with the master bedroom often the chief offender due to its height and large windows. This temperature difference is due to science: as air heats up, its molecules spread apart, making it lighter. Warm air rises to the upper floor, while cooler air sinks and stays downstairs.
The Simple Trick
The Met Office recommends closing curtains or blinds in rooms that face the sun to prevent heat from building up indoors. This simple measure acts as a shield against the sun's heat, keeping upstairs rooms less stuffy. If no curtains or blinds are available, hanging a bedsheet or towel over the window can have a similar effect.
Additional Tips
Experts also advise keeping windows and doors shut during the hottest part of the day to retain cooler air inside. As evening approaches and temperatures drop, opening windows can ventilate the home and allow cooler air to circulate. Keeping internal doors open throughout the house improves airflow on upper floors, preventing heat from becoming trapped in certain rooms.
