How do you prepare your home for heatwaves?
As the world warms, heatwaves are becoming more common. Globally, the seven hottest years on record have all been since 2015.
We need to adapt our homes accordingly. Here are some ideas ...
Avoid air-conditioning
Installing air-conditioning units is counterproductive.
They require lots of energy to run and emit wasted heat.
Both contribute to climate change, which is what’s making everything so hot in the first place!
Work your windows
It might be tempting to fling open your windows, but you need to keep the hot air out during the day.
This means keeping windows closed and covering them with blackout blinds or curtains.
At nighttime, when the temperature drops, you can open them and give your house an airing.
Insulate
Insulation is usually associated with keeping the heat in during winter.
However, in the summer months it works to keep heat out, too.
It’s a year-round investment and one that’ll help reduce your energy bills, whatever the weather.
Switch off appliances
A lot of heat is generated from household appliances, so switch them off.
Don’t leave them on standby. Make sure the backs of fridges and freezers have plenty of ventilation space, as they can pump lots of unnecessary heat into a room.
Use water and nature
Setting out bowls of water can help cool hot air.
They can be particularly effective in a bedroom at night.
Similarly, plants act as natural air conditioners and pump moisture into the atmosphere, so consider investing in houseplants. Trees in the garden can also provide shading.
Fan efficiently
Sometimes it’s just so hot you end up resorting to an electric fan.
Since heat rises, the coolest air in your house is going to be at floor level, so set your fan on the floor and point it upwards. Position it so that it points towards the opposite wall. This will bounce the cooler air off the wall and back into the room, mixing with the warm air to cool the overall temperature. Place a bowl of cold water in front of the fan makes it even more effective.
Install awnings
If you have bi-fold doors or south-facing windows that are turning your home into a greenhouse, consider installing awnings or wooden shutters.
They’re popular in Mediterranean countries for a reason! Awnings can cost around £4,000, but a well-positioned sun parasol is a cheaper alternative.