Keep Cool
KEEP COOL
Your home overheating in hot weather? What can you do to try and keep it cool?
An overheating home can make life very uncomfortable and could have a negative impact on your health. Some simple steps to take to help make your surroundings more bearable when the temperature rises:
Let cool air in
Open windows on opposite sides of your home to encourage air flow. Best to do this overnight or early in the morning when the temperature outside tends to be cooler than it is inside. If you have a loft open the hatch.
Live in a property where you can only open one window?
Open internal doors to help the air circulate.
Keep the sunshine out
Keep you home cool by closing your curtains or blinds on the side of the house where the sun is shining. Keep windows on all sides closed when its warmer outside than it is inside – typically late morning to early evening. Use fans instead.
Use a fan
Fans help circulate the air and create a breeze. They are cheap to use – generally cost less than 2p an hour to run. Putting a fan by an open window can help draw fresh air into your home – as long as the temperature outside is cooler.
Placing a bowl of ice cubes or ice packs in front of – but a safe distance from – a fan can help lower the temperature of the air circulating around the room.
Escape the heat altogether
If things get really unbearable, you might want to consider heading to the nearest public air-conditioned building, if possible.
Insulating can help
Energy efficient homes are easier to keep comfortable year-round. A well- insulated property can help prevent unwanted heat from entering during the summer while retaining warmth during the winter.
• Improve wall and roof insulation
• Replace windows – especially with low-emissivity glass which has a coating that reflects UV and ultraviolet light
• Ensure property is well ventilated via extractor fans and trickle vents
• Installing window shutters for external shading
• Add solar panels if you tend to use more electricity for cooling fans and/or air conditioning.