Tips For Keeping Your Home Cool This Summer

With the scorching summer evenings slowly creeping upon us, Brits across the country are considering the best ways to cool the house efficiently.

Redesigning your entire home or purchasing an expensive air conditioning unit may not be on the cards but, don’t let that stop you from trying other cost-effective alternatives.

The team at money.co.uk has made home cooling a breeze to implement this summer by demonstrating some of the best ways to stay refreshed.

Ben Gallizzi, an energy expert at money.co.uk said:
“If this summer is anything like the last, then it’s important that everyone tries the cheap and simple ways to cool their home before investing heavily in something like an air conditioning unit.

“Although we may enjoy them when we go on holiday - air conditioning units are notorious for being inefficient and expensive, so why not make some simple swaps before you think about going for AC.

“We also forget that those who are working from home, don’t have the luxury of a cool office. So, it's important to maintain a comfortable working environment that reflects a fresh office.”

Ten top tips to keep your house cool this summer

Change up your bed linen

Switching up your bed set linen can dramatically help you have a cooler night’s sleep. Some bed sheet materials such as cotton and bamboo are well-known for being lightweight and breathable, perfect for those who get hot in the night. Changing your mattress to one with a lower tog can also be effective or even just swapping it completely with a smaller blanket or loose sheet.

Bring nature inside

Bringing nature inside is a great way to not only cleanse the air in your house, but also to help circulate cooler air. This works when certain plants such as a : weeping fig, snake plant, rubber plant and chinese evergreen to name a few, absorb warm air. Through the transpiration process they release oxygen and cool moisture as a byproduct into the room. Not only this, but they look great too.

Don’t forget the garden

As well as bringing the greenery inside your house, remember that plants and trees can have a similar effect in your garden. Increasing the amount of grass in your garden will naturally be cooler than decking, paving and concrete due to it having a lower solar reflectance. Choosing deciduous trees is also great for shading certain areas in the summer. They lose their leaves in the autumn so they won’t shade your home in the darker months.

Keep the blinds closed

As simple as this one may sound, keeping your blinds closed throughout the day deflects the sun’s powerful rays from heating your house. Open them up in the evening and let the cooler air fill the room.

Blackout curtains

Blackout curtains help eradicate the sunlight from the windows and are especially effective on north or western facing windows. Opt for a light or neutral colour to keep the room bright if you’re closing them throughout the day.

Close your doors

Closing doors in rooms that you’re not using can help trap cooler air in the rooms that you’re in. If you don’t shut off certain areas of your house, it allows the cool air to dissipate and every room will end up at a similar temperature.

Switch your bulbs

If you still have incandescent bulbs in your light fittings at home and haven’t already switched to LED light bulbs, then it could make a difference. Incandescent bulbs waste around 90% of their energy by emitting heat and could limit you if you're trying to decrease the temperature .

Cook outside

Why not make the most of that BBQ grill in your garden that you never use? When your kitchen has accumulated heat throughout the day the last thing you want to do is turn the oven for dinner and make the house even warmer. Enjoy the summertime without having to wash the pots and pans.


Ice fan

One popular method to cool your room down has been extremely popular amongst the DIY hacks community. By placing a bowl of ice underneath your fan you can create a cold and refreshing breeze that circulates around your room. A cheap and efficient air conditioning replacement.

Insulate your loft

It is a common misconception that insulating your home only keeps it warmer in the winter. However, by keeping out the draught you avoid hot air during the summer months from seeping through and raising the temperature. This is a great tip regardless of the season as it will lower your energy costs significantly.

For more information go to: https://www.money.co.uk/authors/ben-gallizzi
https://www.money.co.uk/energy