How can we do better in terms of staying cool at home? Around the world temperatures are getting higher, and this includes Britain (although this summer may not always have felt like it!).
The warm weather can be unbearable to many Brits, where temperatures are regularly beating high temperature records. We are simply not used to it. Despite inevitable summer rain – the overall trend is for a continued heat increase. So how can we learn to deal with the heat? Particularly at home.
One of the factors in play is the way UK houses are traditionally built to retain warmth for winter, resulting in your home becoming your personalised sauna. We traditionally have smaller windows, and lots of thick walls, and plenty of insulation. Great for a cold, damp winter. Not so great for a hot and humid summer.
So, it’s understandably challenging to keep your house cool. Humidity is higher here compared to other European countries, making us feel droopy and drippy.
Climate change arguments aside, research by NASA shows that the average global temperature has risen by 1.1 °Celsius since 1880, with the biggest surge since around 1975. The heat is here to stay – so let’s look at ways to stay cool.
Encouraging airflow in the house
Using an electric fan
Compared to other parts of the world, air conditioning is practically non-existent across most UK homes, and not a luxury that many of us can afford. The most common (and more affordable) way to keep your house cool is by using an electric fan. Using one or more throughout your home can be a great way to keep the air moving, but it doesn’t actually cool the air.
To make a DIY air conditioner, you can place ice cubes in front of your electric fan. This will help cool the air that’s blowing in your direction.
Opening the windows
Yes, it’s a simple tip, but easily forgettable. Keeping your windows open is another method for cooling your house down while letting the air flow more freely.
For a strategic approach, most people will open their windows from opposite ends of the house to form a cross-ventilation. The recommended time to do this is when the air is cooler, such as early morning and late evening. But don’t forget to stop the sun’s rays from getting in!
Covering the windows to stop the heat
Drawing the curtains or closing the blinds
During the day, keeping your curtains or blinds closed can stop your home from heating up. It helps block the sunlight - especially important on the sun-facing side in the afternoon.
Thermal or blackout curtains are especially good at keeping the heat out during the warmer months. But any form of window covering that blocks out the sun will help the reduction of the sun rays glaring through your windows while preventing the hot air from sneaking into your home during the hottest times of the day.
Applying a window fly screen
For those who want to keep their windows open, but are a bug hater, then consider investing in a window fly screen. This method allows you to open your window for cool air while stopping the bugs from trespassing into your home.
Using window films
If you don’t want to get rid of your window view, applying a reflective or tinted film can also help reduce the heat while preserving your view.
Adjustments and investments for your home
Owning a dehumidifier
Lowering the humidity can help make the air feel cooler. When there is high humidity, it produces moisture in the air which creates a musty smell and can eventually lead to mould. This can be dangerous and can cause respiratory conditions. By using a dehumidifier, it can reduce the level of humidity in your home together with cooling it down.
Coating your roof with solar reflective paint
To stop heat absorption in your home, you can apply a solar reflective paint on top of your roof.
The reflective paint will bounce the solar heat off your roof, helping to reduce your roof's temperature and decrease the transfer of heat into your house.
Installing a ceiling fan
Ceiling fans can be an effective way to ventilate your room. It will allow the air to flow around the room, apartment or house and distribute a breeze around you.
Keeping cool at night
Sleeping in cotton fabric
If you’re not comfortable sleeping naked, think about your bedwear. When the night turns warm, you may want to try sleeping in loose and breathable PJs. By sleeping in cotton fabric, it helps absorb your sweat, keeping your body cool.
It’s also a good idea to reduce your bedding during the hot weather when you sleep. For those who like the protection of a duvet, perhaps swap it for a thin cotton sheet. This will cool you down while giving you duvet protection benefits.
And yes you can put your PJs in the freezer if you like! But the effects are temporary, and can make them a bit damp, so it’s up to you.
Showering in cool water
Taking a nice cool or tepid shower before jumping into your bed may be an ideal method of cooling your body down. Don’t go for a super cold shower though, as this stimulates you and wakes you up. Not really what you need at bedtime.
Cooler showers have health benefits such as helping muscle soreness and improving circulation and can be an effective way for a better night’s sleep. Where it lowers your body temperature, it will provide you with a refreshing feeling during a warm night.
Putting ice in a hot water bottle
It may sound odd, but filling your hot water bottle with ice can help you cool down. Before you go to bed, try placing it under your sheets for a refreshingly cool sleep. Take it out when you get in though, or you’ll freeze your toes!
Cooling your skin
Placing your face and eye masks in the fridge will help de-puff your face for the morning or evening. But it’s also a good way to cool your face down while soothing your skin. The same for face rollers if they’re part of your skincare routine.
Cooler eats and drinks for summer
Making cool foods
One fun method of cooling down in your home this summer is making cold meals and snacks.
Making cooler foods will not only help to relieve your body but also provide a delicious summer activity.
Keeping hydrated
Using water jugs
As you probably already know, but worth mentioning again, that it’s important to stay hydrated during a heatwave or any warm weather. But keeping your water cool at home is another story.
One method is keeping a filtered jug in the fridge. This helps you to have cool water when you need to.
Having a thermal water bottle nearby
Drinking from a thermal water bottle or flask is a great way to keep cold water handy and stay hydrated when needed. Take one up to bed with you for a cooling drink during the night.
