While most Brits welcome a heatwave, the majority of our homes are not equipped to handle the higher temperatures.
From stuffy bedrooms to humid kitchens, being inside during British summers can be an uncomfortable experience. And with temperatures tipped to reach 32 degrees tomorrow, the problem is set to peak.
But now an expert from MyBuilder.com has put together some tips to prepare our homes for the hotter weather. While some require a little advance planning, others are quick “hacks”that can make all the difference once the heat arrives.
British homes are generally built to protect from colder weather, but there are a variety of modifications that can be made which can help keep them cool should the temperatures rise.
Measures such as better insulation, for example, keep your home warm in the winter – but also keeps the heat out over summer. Installing air conditioning is also becoming increasingly popular, as temperatures across Europe appear to be rising over the last few years.
But if major adjustments aren’t possible, there are smaller home hacks that can make a significant difference, without breaking the bank.
Andy Simms, from MyBuilder.com, said planning in advance is key if you want to keep a cool home this summer.
“To make the most impactful difference on the temperature inside your home, you’re best to make changes that last. Better insulation, air conditioning units, or even investing in heat reflective exterior paint can all make big and lasting changes to internal temperatures.
“It’s worth getting a professional in to get a quote for this type of work – but in the meantime there are plenty of smaller changes you can make to try and help. Hopefully these tips will provide a bit of a reprieve from a hot house – and there should be a tip for every budget.”
MyBuilder.com’s expert tips include:
Upgrading insulation
While this may be seen as a bigger investment, better insulation helps all year round to regulate your home’s temperature. It even helps with energy costs, as a well insulated home will require less heating, and also less usage of fans, or aircon units, should you have one.
Create shade
Creating shaded areas both inside and outside your home is quite effective at bringing temperatures down a few degrees. You can use awnings, placed outside any larger windows or south facing aspects, or sail shades are also perfect for this purpose. Both can be installed for a reasonable cost by a handyman, and are affordable to purchase.
Close your windows
While this may seem totally counter-intuitive, opening your windows when it’s hot outside will make your house warmer. Quite simply, only open the windows if the temperature outside is cooler than within. Once it is, keep your windows open for as long as possible, and close them once the temperature rises again.
Change your curtains
Thermal blinds offer the best protection against the heat, but make sure they are properly installed (book a professional if needed). Lighter coloured curtains and blinds also help, while dark ones will do the opposite.
Get air conditioning
It may seem like overkill in the UK, but to really keep your home cool, installing air conditioning is the best option. While a fully air conditioned house can be a large expense, costing upwards of £1,500, you can also consider portable air con units as a more affordable option, at around £250. A third option to consider is installing a ceiling fan – it’s a great way to generate a breeze inside at a fraction of the cost.
Solar film
Solar films come in a variety of colours/shade, are placed on your window and help to reduce the amount of heat/glare or you can choose reflective films. They can be fitted by a tradesperson if you want to get a professional job, but you can go DIY too. Films cost just a few pounds to buy from a variety of outlets.
Building a pergola
Placed in the right position, pergolas do a brilliant job of providing shade and protection from the sun. They’re also a great way to be able to enjoy the warm weather, while staying cool. To create the best shade coverage with a pergola, grow a climber over it, or you can even put a fabric roof over the top.
Switch off your lights and appliances
Certain lightbulbs can generate quite a bit of heat, so make sure you keep your lights off as much as possible. A 2021 report said that only 14 per cent of people use LED bulbs (the most heat-effective) and a lot of homes still have incandescent bulbs. Even at night time keep having lights on to a minimum – this will not only keep your home cool but, additionally, reduce insect-invasion into your home.
Open your loft hatch
Opening your loft hatch can help your home stay cool this summer. Doing this simple job creates a natural upflow of heat, letting hot air travel up to the roof, meaning any cool air on the ground will also flow upwards and allow you to feel it like a breeze.
