In the UK, heatwaves have become more intense and frequent. With temperatures pushing past comfortable levels and many UK homes not built to cope with extreme heat, it can be tough to stay cool indoors. Fortunately, there are simple, effective, and often low-cost ways to help beat the heat without breaking the bank or the environment.
Here are our top tips to help you keep your home cool, allowing you to sleep comfortably at night:
Shield Your Windows from the Sun
One of the biggest sources of indoor heat is sunlight pouring through your windows. South-facing windows can absorb a lot of heat from the sun, heating up a room, even with the windows open.
Keeping your windows or blinds closed before midday is a great way to negate this. Light-coloured curtains are ideal, as they reflect heat, rather than absorbing it.
Double glazed windows are designed to keep your house cool during the summer and warm in the winter, thanks to the inert gas between the two panes of glass. Ifyou have single glazed windows and are experiencing uncomfortable temperatures in your home, it may be a worthwhile investment to have double glazed windows installed. You can view our Trusted Double Glazing Experts on TrustATrader.com.
Let in Cool Air at the Right Time
One of the best cooling tricks is to ventilate your home in the coolest periods of the day. Rather than keeping windows open all day and allowing hot air to flow in, opening them early in the morning and again late in the evening when outdoor temperatures drop.
Create a cross-breeze through your home by opening windows on opposite sides of the house or flat, allowing fresh air to circulate and push warm air out. If your home has a loft hatch or skylight, opening it in the evening can also help hot air rise and escape.
Use Fans to Create a DIY Air Conditioner
Electric fans are great during a heatwave. You should place fans across from a window to draw cooler air in, or near an open door to help push warm air out. To cool your house further, place a bag of frozen peas or ice in front of a fan. The air passing over the cold surface will feel noticeably cooler, like a DIY air conditioner! If you are interested in a dedicated air conditioning system for your home, you can enquire about installation with our Trusted Air Conditioning Experts on TrustATrader.com
Cook Smart to Avoid Indoor Heat
The oven and hob are some of the biggest heat offenders in the kitchen. On hot days, it’s best to avoid them altogether. Instead, try salads, sandwiches, or no-cook meals. If you do need to cook, consider using a slow cooker or microwave, which generate less ambient heat.
Better yet, enjoy the weather with a barbecue in the garden or on the balcony, keeping the heat outdoors!
Think About Insulation
Most people associate insulation with keeping warm in winter, but it also works to keep hot air out in summer. If your home tends to overheat, especially in the loft or top floor, it could be worth investing in better insulation or reflective foil beneath your roof tiles.
Even draught-proofing around windows and doors can help, as it stops warm air from creeping in and cool air from escaping.
View our Trusted Insulation Companies on TrustATrader.com
Use Lighter Bedding and Clothing
Thick duvets and synthetic bedding are your enemy in hot weather. Opt for lightweight sheets made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, which allow better airflow and wick moisture away from your skin.
The same goes for your clothing. Loose, light-coloured clothes made of natural fibres can help regulate your body temperature, even indoors.
Create a "Cool Zone" in Your Home
If you can't keep your entire home cool, focus on just one room. Choose a space that gets the least sun during the day and turn it into your cool zone. Keep blinds drawn, limit electrical appliance use, and run a fan to maintain airflow.
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While UK homes aren’t typically built for the increasing heatwaves, a few smart adjustments can make a real difference. Whether it’s improving airflow, managing sunlight, or simply making better choices around cooking and electronics, these small steps can keep you and your family cool and comfortable throughout the summer.
At TrustATrader.com, we’re here to help you find local, trusted professionals who can support you with insulation, ventilation, window upgrades, and more. Whether you're looking to future-proof your home or get through the next heatwave in comfort, we’ve got you covered.