Six Strategies to Maintain Coolness at Home and in Your Body During Heatwaves

As temperatures climb, maintaining a comfortable environment for both your household and your personal well-being becomes a priority. Here are six practical measures you can implement to stay cool.

1. Maximize Airflow with Cool Air

To prevent your home from becoming a heat trap, facilitate air circulation by opening windows on opposite sides of the property. This strategy allows cooler air to enter while pushing out stagnant warm air. This method is most effective when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, typically during the night or early morning. For flats with windows on only one side, keep interior doors open and utilize fans to boost air movement.

Since hot air naturally rises, it can become trapped on upper floors, disrupting sleep. If your property has loft vents or upper-story windows, open them to vent this trapped heat. Additionally, installing extra insulation is beneficial year-round; it helps exclude heat during the summer months and reduces energy consumption and bills during winter.

2. Block Heat During Peak Hours

While ventilation is key at night, it is crucial to seal your home against heat during the day. Keep windows, blinds, and curtains shut when the sun is shining, particularly on the side of the house receiving direct sunlight. This prevents warmer outdoor air from entering your living space.

3. Utilize Fans Wisely

Fans offer an affordable and energy-efficient solution for keeping air moving. According to the Energy Saving Trust, running a freestanding fan for 24 hours costs between 15p and 31p. To maximize effectiveness, place the fan in front of an open window to draw cooler outside air into the room, provided the exterior air is indeed cooler. For an additional cooling effect, position ice cubes in front of the fan. You can also use multiple fans to establish a cross-breeze.

Professor Mike Tipton from the University of Portsmouth highlights the physiological impact of fans. "Fanning the face improves thermal comfort most, but fanning the whole body helps lower body temperature more," he explains. However, he cautions that fans may be counterproductive when temperatures exceed 35C, as they simply circulate hot air toward the body.

For those considering air conditioning, be aware that it is significantly more costly. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that 24 hours of continuous use ranges from £4.84 to £6.

4. Reduce Internal Heat Generation

Appliances such as ovens and cookers release substantial heat, both during operation and afterward. To minimize this, opt for cold meals like salads, especially during the hottest part of the day. Similarly, delay the use of heat-producing devices like washing machines and dishwashers until the evening or cooler periods.

High humidity can also contribute to heat exhaustion, so it is advisable to lower indoor moisture levels by: * Taking shorter, colder showers. * Drying surfaces to remove excess water. * Moving indoor plants outdoors.

While heat exhaustion is generally manageable by cooling down, heatstroke is a critical medical emergency. If you suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke, call 999 immediately.

5. Lower Your Body Temperature

Tepid showers are an effective way to reduce body temperature without wasting energy or money. However, Professor Tipton advises against water that is too cold. "The trick is to try and get the skin as cool as possible whilst maintaining maximum blood flow to it. Too cold and the body will shut down blood to the skin and trap the heat in the body making it harder to get out," he notes.

For immediate relief, apply an ice pack or a cold-water bottle to your body, preferably wrapped in a towel to prevent direct skin contact. Your choice of clothing also plays a significant role. Natural fibers such as cotton and linen aid in temperature regulation, while loose-fitting garments allow air to circulate. This is why cotton bed sheets are recommended for sleeping in hot rooms, as they help manage body heat.

6. Seek Cooler Environments

If your home remains uncomfortably warm, consider visiting air-conditioned public spaces. Libraries, leisure centers, and shopping malls can offer a respite from the heat. Some local authorities have also established networks of designated "cool [spaces]," providing additional options for relief.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-20 09:23:43 UTC