The UK is currently experiencing wall-to-wall sunshine and soaring temperatures, which is lovely when you're sipping your wine on your decking or having your toes dipped in your child's paddling pool, but not so nice when you're boiling up inside. How do you go about keeping your house cool? Here are the mistakes you're probably making during the heatwave - including one major one that only takes two minutes to fix!
1.Not keeping your curtains and windows closed in the daytime
It's a technique commonly used on the continent; it may seem counterproductive – but it works. I've been doing it all week and my bedroom is bearable come night time. Throughout the day, when the sun is out, you shut up your windows and curtains to keep the heat out. Then, at night when the temperature drops you open them both up to let in a breeze. It will take you two minutes to do each morning. Try it and thank us later.
2. Keeping your lights on
Surprisingly, lightbulbs give off more heat than they do light so switching them off will definitely help to keep your room cooler.
3. Using appliances
Big appliances give off heat. Of course, you can't turn your freezer off (where would you store your ice lollies?), but you can consider reducing the use of other big machines like your dishwasher and washing machine.
4. Not opening internal doors
Open up your internal doors to let air circulate throughout your home. It won’t make a huge difference, but every little helps.
5. Not opening your attic windows
If you've got a loft conversion with attic windows, it may be worth opening these up as heat rises and you'll be giving the air somewhere to escape. If you open them in the day, keep the blinds drawn so you don't heat up the room.
6. Producing too much steam
Steamy showers and cooking on the hob will add heat to your home. If you can avoid them, it will help. Instead, have a cold shower and keep a lid on your pans to keep the steam in.
7. Sleeping together
If you share a bed with someone in your household, now is the time to go solo. Humans give off body heat and sharing a bed with someone else will only make you hotter.
8. Not moving downstairs
Sleeping on the sofa may be the coolest option during the UK heatwave considering that heat rises and the downstairs of your property will be cooler.
9. Choosing the wrong bed linen
Whether you're still braving sleeping under the covers or you're going for the over-the-top technique, the material your bed linen is made out of will make a difference. Select a cotton or breathable fabric to feel cooler on your skin.
