With temperatures expected to rise to a scorching 36°C across Worcestershire, while some enjoy the sun from an air-conditioned office, extreme heat at home is a different story altogether. Assuming most of us don’t have the luxury of air conditioning at home, you have most likely started to feel the effects of the heatwave – particularly at night!
At the moment of writing, temperatures are set to rise and news that the Met Office has now issued a rare 'extreme heat warning' across some areas of England and Wales is getting people hot under the collar.
The all-time UK record in 2019 was 38.7°C, it remains to be seen if this will be bested but it is forecasted that this coming Monday we could see the mercury hitting 36°C across Worcestershire and although the evenings provide cooler climates the Met Office warns of 'tropical nights' ahead with temperatures around 20°C. Phew!
Although the prospect of BBQs and beer gardens is enticing it is advisable to protect yourself against the baking sun. Extreme heat is a severe threat to public health and as a country, we are woefully underprepared to deal with it.
No need to panic, Hollywell Homes has prepared a handy list of tips and tricks to keep your property cool.
1. Close curtains, blinds, and shades on days of extreme heat
Don’t turn your home into a greenhouse! On the sunny side of the house, close all curtains, blinds, shades, etc as this will help in the fight to cool your property on days of extreme heat. Before air conditioning, the hottest countries in the world used the natural shade of trees and did the above to keep everything cool. Want to be extra? Invest in some black-out blinds to help keep the heat out!2. Shut doors to rooms that you are not using to save energy
During a heatwave, a drop of a few degrees can make all the difference. If done correctly this strategy can lower the ambient temperature of a property by a few degrees (or more). Simply put, if you’re not using a room, shut it down! i.e. take a few minutes to close air vents inside any unused bathrooms ensuring doors are also closed, this will force any cooler air to remain in rooms you are using.3. Try not to use appliances that contribute to the heat
By not introducing subsidiary heat into an already warm environment i.e. not using the cooker, dishwasher, or dryer on extremely hot days will keep the ambient temperature cool. If you do need to use these appliances, try limiting their use to certain times of the day when the outside temperatures are cooler. Steam causes humidity so limit the use of the washing machine and dishwasher where possible.Avoid slaving over a hot stove and opt for a nice salad that you can enjoy al-fresco. Of course, if you have the benefit of a garden, who doesn’t love a good BBQ on a hot summer’s day.
4. Big fan of ice!
When temperatures start to rise instinct dictates that an electric fan will help to keep you cool. Unless the fan is simply blowing hot air around the room. However, place a bowl of ice water in front of the fan and as the ice melts the fan will pleasantly cool the room.5. Homemade ice packs
Who would have thought a hot water bottle would keep you cool during a heatwave. Stick it in the freezer full of cold water and you’ve got a homemade ice pack! This isn’t limited to hot water bottles, if you haven’t tried this before you’re in for a treat, stick your bed sheets in the freezer before you go to bed, and hey presto, fresh, clean, cool sheets! Just make sure you place your sheets in a plastic bag before you pop them in the freezer so you don’t end up with a bed smelling like frozen peas!6. Cotton sheets
Try to steer clear of silk or satin sheets in favour of light-coloured cotton sheets to sleep in for a cooler night’s sleep. The Egyptians had it right when it came to cotton sheets, they would even dampen a sheet in cool water and would use it as a blanket. Disclaimer - no one likes a wet bed! If you try this at home place a dry towel under the damp sheet. Wet sheets aren’t fun when you have to sleep on them but they can be hung in front of windows to help bring the rooms temperate down.7. Light bulb moment
Even if the bulbs you use at home are environmentally friendly they give off heat. The sun doesn’t set until the early evening, limiting the need for artificial light until it gets late. Keep your home cool by simply keeping the lights off unless needed. Bonus money savings on energy bills too! This goes for unnecessary electrical appliances that radiate heat too. Unplug your phones, tablets, game consoles, etc. unless you absolutely have to charge them.8. Sleep downstairs
It’s like camping but inside! Hot air rises, so sleeping downstairs will make you feel cooler. If you live in an apartment or flat, try moving your bedding to the floor for a better night’s sleep!So there you have it, 8 handy tips from your trusted, local estate agent Hollywell Homes to keep you cool this summer. Stay safe and don’t forget to wear sun cream!
