Keeping your home cool
When the weather is hot, we can quickly start to feel very uncomfortable in our homes.
In a heatwave, here are a few simple things you can do to keep your home as cool as possible.
1. Keep warm air out
During the day, it may be warmer outside your home than inside. By closing your windows and curtains during the day – especially in rooms that get direct sunlight, this will help to keep the inside of your home as cool as possible for as long as possible.
2. Let in cool air.
Keep your windows closed during the hottest parts of the day to stop hot air from coming in and then – if it’s safe to do so – open them in the evening or early morning when it’s cooler outside.
Keep your upstairs windows open overnight – this will help warm air inside your home to escape. If you have bedrooms in the roofspace, open the roof windows at night. Opening windows on either side of your house can help to create a cross-breeze and get cooler air circulating.
3. Switch off anything that creates heat
Turn off electrical appliances like games consoles or tumble dryers when they’re not in use to stop them from adding to the heat.
4. Reduce “solar gain”
Solar gain is when sunlight warms up your home. Installing solar-reflective blinds on the side of your home that the sun shines on most – and keeping them closed during sunny weather – can help to keep the temperature down.
5. Use fans wisely.
Electric fans can help if the air temperature is below 35°C but don’t aim the fan directly at your body – this can cause dehydration and give you a dry throat and nose.
Some newer build homes have a mechanical ventilation system. If yours does, make sure you use its ‘summer mode’ to bring in cooler air.
6. Stay cool and hydrated.
Drink plenty of water and wear loose fitting clothes to help your body stay cool. You don’t want to get too cold, but try having a tepid shower or putting a cold pack or bottle of water on your body to keep comfortable.
7. Home modifications
If you would like to make more significant changes to your home such as applying solar-reflective window film or installing air conditioning, you must obtain permission first.
If you want to do any of these modifications, please get in touch with us first to discuss. Call us on 0300 5000 600 or email hello@connecthousing.org.uk
