As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, many people are looking forward to spending more time outdoors. However, the warmer months can bring some uncomfortable heat, making staying cool indoors a top priority. So, how do you keep your home cool during warm weather?

Luckily, there are many solutions that can help you keep your home cool during warm weather. So, you don’t need to worry about feeling uncomfortable, stuffy, and overwhelmed on hot days.

Property expert Natalie Mitchell at HomeHow.co.uk has created this guide on the best ways to keep your home cool in warm weather. From preventative measures to quick fixes, these tips will help you keep your home feeling fresh and comfortable throughout the summer months.

Prevention Is Key: Block the Heat Before It Enters

The most effective way to maintain a cool and comfortable home is to prevent the heat from entering in the first place. Here are some key strategies to consider:

Work With the Windows

• Embrace blinds and curtains: Invest in blackout blinds or thick curtains for south-facing windows. These act as a barrier, absorbing and reflecting sunlight before it heats your home. Close them during the hottest part of the day, which is typically between 11 am and 4 pm.
• Consider window film: Reflective window film applied directly to the glass can significantly reduce heat gain. This is a particularly good option for large windows or those facing direct sunlight.

Mix In Some Shade

• Awning advantage: Installing awnings over south-facing windows provides external shade, preventing sunlight from even reaching the glass. This significantly reduces heat gain and keeps your home cooler.
• Planting power: Strategically planted trees and shrubs around your home can create natural shade on walls and windows. Opt for deciduous varieties that lose their leaves in winter, allowing sunlight to penetrate for warmth.

Roof Reflectors

• Lighten up: If possible, consider painting your roof a reflective white or light colour. This reflects sunlight away from your home, preventing the heat from radiating downwards.

Think About Insulation

• Top-up your loft insulation: Proper loft insulation acts as a barrier, preventing the heat from escaping during the winter months and preventing it from entering in summer. Ensure you have the recommended depth of loft insulation for optimal temperature control.
• Cavity wall insulation: For cavity wall properties, consider installing cavity wall insulation. This fills the gap between the inner and outer walls, minimising heat transfer and keeping your home cooler in summer.

Cooling Strategies: Keeping the Inside Cooler

Once you’ve blocked the heat from entering your home, you can further enhance your home’s cool factor with these strategies:

Embrace Air Circulation

• Cross ventilation: Open all of the windows on opposite sides of your home during cooler evening hours to create a cross breeze that draws warm air out. Strategically placed fans can help circulate this cool air more effectively.
• Night-time cool down: If it’s safe to do so, leave windows open overnight when the outside air is cooler. Close them again in the morning before the heat builds up.

Make Use of Fans

• Ceiling fans: Ceiling fans create a cooling wind chill effect, making you feel cooler without actually lowering the air temperature. Ensure they rotate counter-clockwise during summer to push cool air downwards.
• Portable fans: Strategically placed portable fans can further enhance air circulation and provide a refreshing breeze in specific areas.

Clever Appliance Use

• Minimise heat-generating appliances: Limit the use of dryers, ovens, and other heat-generating appliances during the hottest part of the day. Consider cooking meals that don’t require an oven or air-drying laundry whenever possible.
• Upgrade your lighting: Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED alternatives. These bulbs emit significantly less heat, helping to keep your home cooler.

Be Smart With the Shower

• Cool showers: Opt for cooler showers instead of hot baths. This helps to lower your body temperature and keeps you feeling refreshed during hot weather.

Invest In An Air Conditioner

• Portable air conditioners: These self-contained units are ideal for spot cooling in a single room. They typically use a vent hose that expels warm air out a window. While convenient, they can be noisy and less efficient than fixed systems.
• Split-system air conditioners: These consist of an indoor unit that cools the air and an outdoor unit that expels heat. They are generally more powerful and efficient than portable units, but require professional installation.
• Multi-split systems: These advanced air conditioning systems connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit, allowing for individual room temperature control. They offer ultimate comfort but come with a higher price tag and complex installation.

Natural Cooling Hacks

• Bowl of ice: Placing a large bowl filled with ice in front of a fan can create a cool mist that helps to lower the perceived temperature in a room.
• Damp cloths: Hanging damp cloths strategically around doorways or windows can cool the air as it passes through them. Be mindful of using this technique in humid conditions, as it may worsen the feeling of stuffiness.

Lifestyle Adaptations For a Cooler You

• Dress for the weather: Opt for loose-fitting, lightweight clothing made from natural fibres like linen or cotton. These types of fabrics will allow your skin to breathe and help to regulate your body temperature.
• Hydration is key: Drink plenty of cold water throughout the day to remain hydrated and regulate your body temperature. Avoid sugary drinks and excessive caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
• Cool bedding: Invest in breathable bed sheets made from natural fibres like cotton or linen. Consider a cooling mattress pad for an extra refreshing sleep.
• Limit strenuous activity: Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many things that you can do to ensure your home remains cool during hot weather. Don’t allow you and your family to feel uncomfortable. Try some preventative measures and invest in some cooling appliances to help ensure you remain cool and calm even in the warmest of weather conditions. No matter which of these options you choose, it’s sure to make you feel more comfortable, less sweaty and much less overwhelmed with the heat.