Summers in the UK are increasingly becoming intense, with scorching temperatures that make it challenging to keep your home cool and comfortable. While air conditioning may not be a common feature in many UK homes, you can employ several simple and effective do-it-yourself (DIY) methods to beat the heat.
In this article, we will explore seven practical ways to keep your house cool during the hot summer months, ensuring you can relax and enjoy the season without breaking a sweat.
Natural Ventilation
One of the simplest ways to cool your home is to make the most of natural ventilation. Open windows strategically to create cross breezes, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout your house. Optimise this effect by strategically placing fans near open windows to push the cooler air inside. Alternatively, invest in window fans or whole-house fans, which can quickly draw out hot air and replace it with cooler air from outside. In the late evenings and early mornings, when temperatures are lower, open your windows and let the cool air fill your home, providing relief from the daytime heat.
Insulate and Shade
Preventing heat from entering your home in the first place is key. Invest in thermal insulation for your windows to minimise heat transfer. Thermal blinds or curtains with reflective backing can block out sunlight and heat. Additionally, consider installing outdoor shading solutions such as awnings, shade sails, or pergolas to shield your windows from direct sunlight. Exterior shades can significantly reduce solar heat gain, keeping your home cooler during the day.
Create a Green Oasis
Strategically placed greenery can provide shade and help cool the air around your home. Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your house to provide natural shade during the summer, while allowing sunlight through during the winter months. Shrubs and vines near windows can also act as natural sun blockers. Moreover, create a green oasis in your garden by planting grass, which absorbs less heat compared to concrete or asphalt, helping to reduce overall outdoor temperatures.
Optimise Fan Usage
Fans can be your best friend during hot summer days. Position portable fans near windows or create a wind tunnel by strategically placing fans throughout your home. To create a cooling mist, place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan. This will help to lower the temperature as the fan blows the cool air from the melting ice. You can also hang a damp towel in front of a fan for a similar effect. Remember to switch the rotation of ceiling fans to counterclockwise, which helps circulate air and creates a cooling breeze.
Embrace Cool Evening Breezes
Make the most of cooler evenings by setting up outdoor seating areas or creating a comfortable patio or deck space. When temperatures drop, open your doors and windows to let the refreshing night air flow inside. Installing a retractable screen door will keep insects at bay while allowing you to enjoy the cool breeze.
Avoid Heat-Producing Appliances
Appliances like ovens, tumble dryers, and dishwashers generate a significant amount of heat. To keep your home cool, minimise their usage during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for outdoor grilling or smaller appliances like microwaves or toaster ovens instead of your oven. Consider line-drying your clothes instead of using a dryer, and run your dishwasher during the evening or early morning hours when temperatures are lower.
Optimise Your Sleeping Environment
Getting a good night's sleep is crucial during hot summer nights. Create a comfortable and cool sleeping environment by using lightweight and breathable bedding materials, such as cotton sheets and bamboo or linen pillowcases. Consider placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan in your bedroom to create a refreshing breeze. You can also use cooling gel pillows or invest in a mattress topper that regulates temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Summary
With these practical and budget-friendly DIY techniques, you can effectively keep your Shropshire home cool and comfortable during the sweltering summer months. By harnessing natural ventilation, shading your windows, embracing greenery, optimising fan usage, taking advantage of cool evenings, minimising heat-generating appliances, and optimising your sleeping environment, you can beat the heat and enjoy a refreshing summer in the comfort of your own home.