With the height of summer bringing scorching weather, the majority of Brits will be looking for ways to keep cool. But many might be making a common mistake when it comes to getting the temperature down in their homes.
One of the first things you might be tempted to do is crack open all the windows - but this could have the opposite of the desired effect. Although it might seem like letting fresh air into your home is the best thing to do, it can actually result in your living space becoming hotter and stuffier, The Mirror reports .
With yet another heatwave forecast in the coming days which could see the UK experience its hottest day ever this weekend, periods of dangerously hot weather are also longer and more frequent due to climate change according to experts. Here’s how to make sure you keep your home as cool as possible during the hottest months of the year.
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Those struggling with the heat can determine whether or not they should open their windows by checking the temperature outdoors compared to in the home. If it is hotter outside than inside, you should consider keeping your windows closed to shut the heat out.
If it is cooler outside than inside, particularly if there is a breeze, this is a good time to open your windows to allow the air into the house. This may be a good idea during the night when the temperatures drop, but windows should be pulled shut when it reaches the hottest part of the day.
You may also want to consider taking it one step further and also shutting your blinds and curtains, to stop the sun shining directly into rooms and turning up the heat. The NHS advises: "Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed."
When keeping windows open at home, ensure that the air coming in can circulate through the house by keeping interior doors propped open. Dr Amir Khan advised viewers of ITV’s Lorraine that they can also try more unusual hacks, including using a dog cooling mat as a pillow and putting ice cubes in front of a fan to keep cool.
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