If your upstairs bedroom transforms into an oven every summer while the ground floor stays comfortable, you're not imagining things. Upper-floor rooms are typically five to 15 degrees warmer than the remainder of the home, and the master bedroom, often the highest room with the largest windows, is usually the primary offender.
It may seem as though the only option is to simply put up with it, as doing nothing can lead to countless sweltering, sleepless nights. The temperature difference throughout your home comes down to basic science, though you don't need to be an expert to understand it.
As air heats up, its molecules spread further apart, rendering it lighter. This lighter warm air rises to the upper floor, while the heavier cool air sinks and becomes trapped downstairs.
Met Office advice
With this in mind, the Met Office provided guidance on staying cool during a heatwave. They noted that keeping a home cool is "one of the most effective ways" to manage soaring temperatures.
The meteorological experts recommend that households carry out one simple task to keep as much warm air out and cool air in. They advised: "Closing curtains or blinds in rooms that face the sun can help prevent heat from building up indoors."
Window coverings act as shields against the sun's heat, helping to keep your upper floors less stuffy and stifling.
Extra tips
If you have nothing available to block out the sun, hanging a bedsheet or towel should produce a similar effect. Although it may seem counterintuitive, experts noted that keeping windows and doors shut during the hottest part of the day can "help retain cooler air inside".
As the evening draws in and temperatures begin to fall, opening windows can "ventilate your home and allow cooler air to circulate".
It is also recommended to keep all internal doors open to improve air circulation on your upper floor.
Failing to do so means heat becomes trapped in certain rooms, making entering them feel akin to walking into a sauna. When it comes to keeping your home cool, good airflow is ultimately what works best.
