Keeping your home cooler
On hot summer days, it can quickly get warm inside your home. In well-insulated homes in particular, that heat often lingers for longer. This can be uncomfortable and affect your sleep and how you use your home on a daily basis. There are a number of simple steps you can take to help keep your home cooler. Even small changes can often make a difference.
How to keep the heat out
The most important step is to prevent heat from entering your home.
- Keep windows and doors closed during the day. This prevents warm air from flowing in from outside
- Close curtains or blinds on the sunny side. These help to keep (some of) the heat out.
- With a cloth or blinds, you can keep the heat out more effectively. Do not attach these to window frames or façades using nails, drawing pins, screws or tape. Instead, opt for a solution using suction cups or another type of fixing that does not cause damage. You can also install insect screens without damaging the window frame.
Ensure warm air can escape
Heat that has already entered must be vented at the right time.
- Ventilate in the evening, at night and in the early morning. Open windows and doors opposite each other so that fresh air
can enter and warm air can escape. - Ensure there is airflow in your home. Opening windows on different sides will cool your home down more quickly.
- Leave ventilation grilles open. This keeps the air in your home moving.
Minimise extra heat in the home
As well as the sun and outside air, everyday activities can also generate extra heat.
- Use appliances that give off heat as little as possible during the day.Think of your oven, washing machine and dishwasher.
- Use a fan for extra cooling. It doesn’t cool the air, but creates air movement, making it feel less warm.
Keep yourself cool
It’s important to keep not only your home but also yourself cool in hot weather.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty.
- Take a break during the hottest parts of the day.
- Seek relief in the shade or a cooler room.
- Look out for one another: just asking how someone is doing can make a difference.
You can make a difference outdoors too
The area around your home plays a role in regulating heat. Greenery helps to lower the temperature. Plants and shrubs provide shade and retain less heat than stones or paving slabs.
A balcony or garden with greenery therefore often stays cooler.
- Place plants on your balcony for extra shade.
- Replace paving slabs with plants or shrubs in your garden.
