Parts of the UK are currently basking in the glory of hot summer days, with temperatures reaching a sizzling 34°C in the southeast.
Whilst it is a much-needed respite from the wind and rain-battered weather we got served earlier this year, some of us are struggling to beat the heat. Especially those working from home, without the comfort of air-conditioned office space and chilled water taps.
So for perspiring Brits battling to keep their cool, here’s what experts suggest you can do to keep yourself and your house cool during the extreme heat:
Keep it closed
While it’s tempting to open your curtains or blinds to let some air in, doing so when it is hot outside can have the opposite effect and increase the temperature of your home.
It’s much better to keep them closed throughout the day, so they can absorb the heat. In particular, blinds can reflect a substantial amount of heat radiating through windows.
At night, temperatures tend to drop, so opening the windows and curtains fully in the evening will allow cool air to circulate around the house.
Lights out
Matthew Currington, Technical Director, The Lighting Superstore said: “Light bulbs radiate heat, which isn’t particularly helpful during a heatwave. Conventional incandescent light bulbs generate light quite inefficiently, giving up to 90% of their energy as waste heat in the process.”
If you’re able to switch to low-energy light bulbs, you’re more likely to limit overheating in your house and save money at the same time.
Turn off tech
A surprising amount of heat is generated from appliances around the house, so avoid charging them overnight or switching devices off can help avoid internal heat gains.
“The best bedroom temperature to sleep in is between 15-19°C. If you turn off all devices and switches in the bedroom, they will be unable to emit heat”, explained Currington.
“Electrical appliances radiate heat so do not be tempted to charge your phone near you at the night. Instead, keep it as far from your bed as possible,” added sleep expert and psychologist, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan.
Make your own air conditioning
Most of us don’t have an air conditioning unit at home, so an electric fan is an obvious option to keep you cool. You could also try to make your own air conditioner, by putting a bowl filled with ice water directly in front of a fan and switching it on.
As the ice melts, the breeze from the fan will pick up the cool air coming from the ice’s surface and create a cool breeze, like an air-conditioning unit.
If you’re worried about using additional energy, Currington suggests sticking a hot water bottle full of water into the freezer for a few hours and using it to keep you cool. “Stash your ice pack in the bed before you get in, or place it under your feet, to help you regulate your temperature as you drift off,” he said.
Create a breathable bedroom
Cotton should be your bedding material of choice during warmer nights. More breathable than satin and silk, light-coloured cotton bedsheets are probably the coolest coverings you’ll find.
You might feel like stripping your clothes off, but a better option is to wear cotton or linen pyjamas to help your skin breathe and soak up your sweat.
Stay ahead of the curve
Retirement property experts McCarthy Stone are an advocate of staying on top of weather forecasts to beat the heat. Keep ahead of the weather by checking the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings.
“If you are caring for another person during a heatwave and have concerns for their well-being, you can look out for any changes in behaviour, especially excessive drowsiness. This could also include headache, unusual tiredness, weakness, giddiness, disorientation or sleeping problems,” the expert suggests.
