How to keep your house cool during summer
This summer has seen record-breaking breaking temperatures across Great Britain, and it doesn’t look like the heat wave is going anywhere anytime soon. As much as us Brits love the long summer nights, endless BBQs, and beer garden weather, we’re not a fan of long sleepless nights tossing and turning in a pool of sweat. Unlike warmer countries we don’t have energy guzzling air con in our homes to cool us down, so we’ve provided you with our top tips below to keep your house cool during the warmer months.
1. Roof insulation
Now this one isn’t as quick as a fix of filling your home with a load of fans, but it is a long-term solution and a cost-effective one at that. Without roof insulation your home allows heat to transfer through the roof easily, meaning the sun will be making your house feel like a sauna. Installing roof insulation makes it harder for heat to transfer by trapping air bubbles between the insulating materials, which stops the hot air coming through your roof and entering the rest of your home.
It’s also a year-round investment, as it helps to keep your house warm in those cold winter months too. Making it an energy-efficient option that will help save you money on your heating bills. So, before you start thinking about buying an expensive air con system, look into the benefits of loft insulation.
2. Keep your windows closed
As much as you’ll want to have the windows wide open during the long hazy summer days, this will actually make your home hotter as you’ll be letting all the warm air in. The trick is to keep any south-facing windows shut during the day whilst also keeping any direct sunlight out with blinds or curtains. Then, you can open them up at night and let the cool air flow through your home.
If you must have the windows open, be sure to do it in a way that creates a draught, that way the air will feel cooler. Open windows at opposite ends of the house and open the doors so the air will flow freely.
3. Turn off your devices
All electrical appliances give off heat, so if you’re a sucker for electronics it’s wise to turn them off at night and not leave them on standby. This not only cuts down on the extra heat but it will also reduce your energy bills, it’s a win-win situation.
Remember to turn lights off too if you’re not in the room, as light bulbs tend to radiate a lot of heat. You could also look at swapping the bulbs in your home for more energy efficient ones.
4. Change your bedding
This tip won’t affect your whole house but it will certainly help you catch some extra zzzs at night. Ditch the heavy winter duvet and the fleece-lined sheets, and invest in some breathable cotton or linen bedding. They won’t hold on to your body heat allowing you to have a cooler and more comfortable night’s sleep.
5. Plant some greenery
This one is another long-term plan where you’ll see the benefits next summer rather than this one. Planting trees or vines near sun-facing windows will help to detract natural sunlight and reduce the amount of heat absorbed through your windows. It not only helps to keep the inside of your home cooler, but you’ll also have some much-needed shade to relax in outdoors on a hot summer’s day.
6. Use a fan
Fans are a necessity during summer months and especially at night whilst you’re trying to get your head down. With air con systems being an expensive addition whilst sending your energy bills sky high, a fan is a more cost-effective option. To really get the most out of the cool air, place a jug filled with ice in front of a large fan, once the ice starts to melt it will create a much-needed cool mist.
We’re not accustomed to coming home to a warm and stuffy house in the UK, but with temperatures rising, it’s time to think about long-term solutions in your home. Our recommendation is installing insulation, which will keep your energy bills down, keep your house warm in winter, and cool in summer.
Get in touch with us today to see if you’re eligible for 100% free loft insulation through the government ECO (Energy Company Obligation) grant