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How to Keep Your Home Cool in the Summer
Lifestyle
Most UK homes weren’t designed or equipped to stay cool during the soaring temperatures of summer. But bringing down the heat and staying comfortable doesn’t have to be an expensive or laborious process.
Whether you’re working from home or having an evening in, our easy-to-apply and cost-effective tips on how to keep your home cool in the summer will help you beat the heat. From upgraded insulation to clever air-flow techniques, here’s how to stay chilled this summer without breaking the bank.
How To Keep Your House Cool in Summer
Air Flow
While it’s tempting to throw open your windows on a sunny morning, pause and be tactical. The day can quickly heat up, so it’s important to check the weather forecast and close windows, doors and blinds during the hottest parts of the day.
Once the day has cooled off, open windows and doors on opposite sides of the house to create a cross ventilation of cool air. Hot air will rise within your home, so be sure to open any loft vents or attic windows to release any heat buildup.
Bifold doors and sliding doors are excellent design features that can regulate the ventilation and airflow within your home. They establish a dynamic boundary that can be easily opened to varying degrees, depending on the temperature and the amount of circulation required. “Smart design choices do more than just improve the style of your home; they actively contribute to a more energy-efficient and comfortable environment”, says Steve Bromberg, Managing Director here at Express.
Window and Door Coverings
One of the easiest ways to reduce indoor heat is to block direct sunlight from entering the home. Cover big windows on the sun-facing side of your house with:
- Blinds and Curtains: Light coloured blinds and curtains made from thicker fabrics have better heat-blocking abilities.
- Blackout Blinds: Thermal blackout blinds have a reflective coating that deflects UV radiation away from your interior.
- Integral Blinds: Aluminium windows or large glazed structures, such as bifold doors, can benefit from self-contained blinds within the glass. Our Uni-Blinds range can be controlled manually or by a remote control.
Glazing matters. Express aluminium windows use solar control glass to reduce UV rays and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Performance remains a low-E, thermally efficient option, now enhanced with a solar control coating. With a G value of 43% and 66% light transmittance, it’s ideal for large glazed areas, balancing heat and light in curtain walling, glazed apexes, and our large sliding and bifolding doors. Solar control window film also helps reduce glare and heat transmission.
Fans
Fans are a cheap and energy-efficient way to keep air moving within your home, creating a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler. According to the Energy Saving Trust, running a fan continuously over 24 hours costs between £0.15 and £0.31 in the UK, which is much cheaper than an air conditioning system that would be scarcely used.
When a room is below 35 degrees, fans can be strategically positioned to make it feel cooler. Placing a fan in front of a window can encourage fresh outdoor air to be blown through the room. You could also position a deep dish of ice in front of the fan to cool the air blown in your direction or use more than one fan to create a cross-current. To maximise the fans’ impact, keep doors between unused rooms closed to focus cooling efforts where they’re felt most.
Limit Hot Activities
To keep your home cool this summer, avoid using appliances during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid using washing machines or dishwashers and unplug any electronics that aren’t in use. Take advantage of warm evenings by cooking outdoors on a BBQ or enjoy a fresh summer smorgasbord and other meals that don’t require an oven.
Another factor to consider is humidity, which can increase the risk of heat exhaustion when it’s high within the home. There are several ways to reduce internal moisture, including:
- Taking shorter and colder showers.
- Wiping excess water from surfaces.
- Moving indoor plants outside.
- Making use of the extractor fans in your kitchen and bathroom to get rid of excess heat and moisture.
Insulation
Modern insulation maintains a comfortable temperature year-round, keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Just like a thermos keeps drinks cold, proper insulation in your loft, walls, and floors acts as a thermal barrier, reducing the amount of heat penetrating your living spaces. By inspecting your insulation, you can make any necessary adjustments that will keep your home cool and lower your energy bills.
Another factor that will impact the thermal performance of your home is the quality of its windows and doors. The bespoke bifold doors, sliding doors, French doors and windows here at Express are made from thermally broken aluminium and paired with double-glazed panels to prevent the unnecessary transfer of heat between exterior and interior spaces. Have a look at our previous blog, ‘5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Windows’, to find out if it’s time for an upgrade.
Our tips on how to keep your home cool in the summer show it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right combination of airflow, shading, and efficient design features, you can create a refreshing and comfortable indoor environment during the hottest heatwaves.
Looking to upgrade your home’s performance this summer? Explore the expertly crafted aluminium windows, doors, and integrated shading solutions at Express and improve the comfort, style and thermal performance of your home.
Get in touch today or visit one of our showrooms for expert advice on the best fit for your home.
