Most properties in the UK are designed to retain heat.
After all, this isn’t the warmest country in the world!
So, when the temperature goes up in the summer, keeping cool in the house can be a real challenge.
Read on for our suggestions on how to keep your home cool.
Close your curtains
Many people close their curtains as soon as the temperature gets a bit hot. And this is an excellent idea, especially if your home faces the sun.
It blocks out the sunlight and thus keeps your room more chilled.
You should aim to do this during the hottest hours of the day. It also helps if the curtains are white, as it reflects the sunlight away from your room.
Opaque curtains are better at deflecting heat, too.
Open a few windows – strategically!
If the temperature is warmer outside than inside, you should keep your windows closed. You’d only be letting in warm air.
In some cases though, you can benefit from opening a few. This works best if your curtains or blinds are drawn.
Likewise, the position of the sun could make a difference. If the sun is currently in the west, then opening your east windows might be fine.
And when the sun is in the south, opening your north windows could allow a breeze to come in.
Install air conditioning
You don’t need to rely on just natural solutions to cool down your house.
Air conditioning is popular all over the world – so, don’t be afraid to use it!
Air conditioning will keep your house cool. You can also localise it to specific rooms that you’re in, to stop the costs getting too high.
You’ll be able to set the temperature at anything you want. This gives flexibility if it gets hotter or cooler than expected.
Use fans
Set a fan and point it upwards, directing it towards the opposite wall with no obstructions.
The air will bounce off the wall and interact with the already present warm air. This will reduce the overall temperature.
You could even consider an ice fan. Simply put a bowl of ice cubes in front of your fan and turn it on!
Take cool showers
Your house temperature isn’t the only thing that impacts how warm you feel. Your body temperature is crucial, too!
To keep this down during the hotter months, consider taking cooler shoulders.
These don’t need to be ice cold if you don’t want them to be, but you could still avoid ultra hot showers. These don’t do you any favours.
Almost all showers will have this ability. And if you get too hot during the day, then why not take another cool shower?
Just keep an eye on your water bill!
Limit use of items that produce heat
Your house is filled with plenty of appliances that produce heat.
You might want to avoid these during the hotter months, as it’ll only heat up you, and the surrounding atmosphere.
The best examples include:
- Oven
- Stove
- Lights
- Computers
- TVs.
All of these heat up and spread into the surrounding air.
And when you’re standing close to them (e.g. when cooking) it’ll increase your body temperature as well.
Place an ice pack on your body
Another way to reduce your body temperature, and thus stay cool, is using an ice pack.
If you know that hot days are on the way, then make sure to prepare these a couple of days in advance.
You may want to line up a few, so you don’t run out if the ice starts to melt.
Keep water bottles in the fridge
Drinking warm water is not only unpleasant, but it doesn’t help you to cool down whatsoever. One way to avoid this is by always keeping your water in the fridge.
This pushes the temperature down and thus keeps you cool when you take a sip. Especially since staying hydrated throughout a hot day is a ‘must-do’.
Eat cold food
It’s not a coincidence that so many meals on the continent are cold, and often involve salads.
It makes a huge difference when trying to keep your body temperature down!
Making a hot soup or roast dinner will only warm you up, which is the opposite of what you want.
Put cotton sheets on your bed
Cotton is a very breathable material. You could even go further, by placing your sheets in a bag and then putting in the freezer.
Once removed after a few minutes, you have nice cool bedding!
Pay for awnings
Putting up an awning is a great way to create a shady spot.
They may cost you to put up, but you won’t be spending on extra appliances to make an area cool.
Speak to an expert about how to make this happen, if you’ve never done it before.
Plant trees for shade
Your house becomes naturally cooler when there’s objects blocking out the sun. One of the best, eco-friendly methods of doing this is to plant a tree.
There’s no doubt that this is easier said than done. You’ll need to be patient, and ensure that your property isn’t vulnerable to it falling.
Perhaps get an expert in to help you!
But when this is done well, it can definitely cool the temperature in your property.
Paint the outside of your house white
When you go to Italy, Spain or Australia, you’ll usually see that most of the houses are white. This isn’t a coincidence!
White paint reflects sunlight, which means that less heat is absorbed by your house.
Materials consisting of marble and stone, rather than carpet and other fabrics, help to keep the house cool.
Even if your house isn’t currently white, you may be able to paint it this colour. The effect could be even more noticeable on the roof.
