This super simple tip will help bring cooler air into your home
With red weather warnings for extreme heat coming into force in London and across the UK this week, most of us who aren’t lucky enough to have air conditioning will be looking for other ways to cool down. As temperatures soar nationwide, British Gas has provided practical advice to help households stay comfortable during the hot spell, including this clever ‘natural cooling’ trick that’s remarkably straightforward and effective.
Peter Knowles, Service and Repair Engineer at British Gas, explains: “We all know how frustrating it is when our homes are hot and stuffy. The good news is that there are some practical steps that households can take to help keep inside temperatures down during the summer months.”
This tip will ensure that the air entering your home will feel cooler straight away, and it couldn’t be more simple.
Peter explains: “Hanging a damp sheet in front of an open window during evening hours will help to cool incoming air naturally. For south and west-facing windows that catch afternoon sun, you could also consider reflective window film to reduce heat and glare.”
This isn’t Peter’s only tip for keeping cool in the hot weather. He added: “Things like doing your washing in the evening, keeping windows closed during the middle of the day or putting your fans on the floor are all small changes that can make a real difference.”
Cooler lighting
Traditional light bulbs generate surprisingly substantial amounts of heat, according to Peter. A 60-watt incandescent bulb can produce approximately 50 watts of heat within a room, while an LED with comparable brightness emits just 1-2 watts, making the transition well worth considering, reports the Express.
Smart lightbulbs that can be controlled through a smart home application while you’re away from the property are also a superb alternative to conventional high heat-producing incandescent lightbulbs.
Unplug heat-generating devices
The engineer adds: “Chargers, laptops and other devices left plugged in release ambient heat even when not actively in use. During a heatwave, multiple devices can contribute to that stuffy indoor feeling, so unplugging what you’re not using will help keep rooms that bit cooler.”
Cooking and washing
Peter recommends running ovens, hobs, tumble dryers and washing machines during the cooler parts of the day to prevent adding unnecessary heat when temperatures are at their peak. He advises: “Batch cook early morning or late evening, air-dry laundry outdoors where possible, and embrace lighter meals that don’t require cooking during the hottest hours.”
Help your fridge run smoothly
Peter explains: “When it’s hot outside, your fridge works harder and generates more heat in your kitchen.” His advice is simple: “Checking the thermostat is set correctly, keeping the coils at the back clean and dust-free, and defrosting regularly will help it run more efficiently, and in turn produce less excess heat.”
Keep windows closed during the day
While it may appear counterproductive, it’s recommended to keep windows shut throughout the daytime to prevent warm air from entering your home. Peter points out that light-coloured curtains or blinds made from thicker materials can prove highly effective at blocking out heat when kept drawn.
Fan positioning matters
The engineer says: “Place fans at floor level to circulate cooler air rather than pushing warm air around at head height. In the evening, try pointing a fan out of the window to push hot air out. Opening windows at night also creates natural ventilation without needing fans running constantly.”
Adapt living spaces to the heat
Peter advises that covering leather sofas with light, breathable cotton or linen throws can significantly boost comfort levels, especially during warmer spells. Where possible, he suggests moving activities outside to avoid generating unnecessary heat indoors.
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