How to Keep Your House Cool in Summer
When we experience the few days of sunny weather we get in the UK, we’re often met with uncomfortably warm conditions in our homes. Seeing as most British houses are designed to keep the heat in, people are left unable to relax and sleep in the warmth. This guide focuses on helpful tips to keep your home cool and comfortable throughout summer.
Prevent heat from entering your home
The first line of defence is preventing heat from entering your home in the first place. The sun beaming through your windows can heat up your rooms quickly, so keeping your curtains closed could be a quick fix. We also recommend a more effective method of covering the outside of any windows which get direct sunlight with thin sheets by placing them in the window/door frames and then closing them to secure the sheet in place.
You could even consider purchasing window film which reflects the sun’s rays but still allows light to pass through. This can be a great option for large windows or areas that receive a lot of direct sun throughout the day. If you own a garden parasol, you could prop this up to your windows or glass doors to stop the heat from entering your home.
Create natural ventilation
Once the sun has set, open windows on opposite sides of your house to create a refreshing cross breeze. Experiment with opening windows at various heights to maximise airflow and chase away hot air pockets. It is suggested that if you hang a wet bed sheet in front of an open window, then the breeze will turn colder from the sheet’s moisture.
Some people think that opening the doors in your house during the day can let the air circulate, but this may not be a useful method. If you have warmer rooms in your house that receive a lot of sunlight, you could close the door to this room so that the hot air doesn’t travel to other areas of the house.
Make your fan even cooler
Fans are a budget-friendly and energy-efficient way to cool down, but there are ways to optimise their performance:
The ice bowl trick
If you have a fan in your home that is not keeping you cool enough, place a bowl or pan of ice in front of the fan. By doing this, you can turn the air into a cold mist which circulates the room.
Consider fan placement
Adjust your fan so it faces the opposite wall from where you’ll be located and make sure there are no obstructions, meaning the air can bounce off the wall and cool the space overall. It is recommended that you place your fan on the floor and point it upwards since heat rises.
Avoid certain appliances
It’s a good idea to avoid appliances that give off a lot of heat, such as tumble dryers and ovens. Here’s how to be appliance-savvy during the summer:
- Alternative Cooking Methods: Embrace the outdoors and fire up the grill or get a disposable barbecue. Alternatively, explore slow cooker meals or opt for no-cook options like salads. This not only reduces reliance on your oven but also keeps your kitchen cool.
- Shift Laundry Schedules: Consider scheduling laundry for cooler mornings or evenings when the outside temperature is lower. This prevents the heat generated by the dryer from further warming your home.
- Air Dry Whenever Possible: When the weather permits, take advantage of natural drying solutions. Hang clothes on the line outdoors or use a drying rack indoors with good airflow. This saves energy and keeps your home cooler.
How to prepare for sleep
Nothing disrupts a good night’s sleep quite like a sweltering bedroom on a hot summer night. Some top tips for sleeping when it’s warm are:
Turn your hot water bottle cold
You could turn your hot water bottle into a cold version by freezing it a couple of hours before you head to bed. Placing this on your feet will lower the overall temperature of your skin and body. You could also consider buying a cooling mattress pad.
Have a cooler shower
Take a cool shower about an hour before bedtime. This lowers your core body temperature and helps you feel cooler as you fall asleep. Avoid hot showers or baths, as these can have the opposite effect.
Make your sheets summer-proof
Swap out your bedding for breathable fabrics like bamboo, cotton or linen. These natural materials allow for better airflow and prevent you from waking up in a sweat.
Your quilt may be designed to keep heat in during winter, so consider switching it for a light blanket or a duvet with a low tog. A tog measures thermal resistance, so a lower tog duvet (ideally around 4.5 or lower) provides less warmth and is better suited for summer nights.
There is also a hack to put your bed sheets in a plastic bag and then into the freezer for a few minutes before you go to bed so that you’ll have cold sheets to enjoy.
Consider different sleeping arrangements to keep cool
Seeing as heat rises, those sleeping in attic rooms can be especially warm when trying to drift off. If you own an air bed, you may get a better sleep if you set this up downstairs for when the temperature is uncomfortable.
Homeowning advice from County Town Homes
By implementing these strategies, you can transform your home to remain cool even on the hottest days. At County Town Homes, we understand the importance of creating homes that are comfortable and energy-efficient in all seasons. Our new builds incorporate features like improved insulation, high-performance windows, and thoughtful design elements that promote natural ventilation. This translates to a cooler and more comfortable living environment during the summer months and a warmer, cosier space in the winter.
Head over to our blog for even more homeownership tips like how to get rid of flies in the house.
