I’m A Heating Expert: Here’s Five Tips to Cool Down In British Homes Without Air Conditioning
With warmer weather on the way, keeping your home cool during the warm summer months can be challenging, especially in British homes which aren’t built to withstand warmer temperatures.
Without the use of air conditioning. British homes, known for their less than ideal architecture style and often older construction can retain heat and make your summers feel stifling and close.
Here, Sales Manager at cast iron radiator specialists, Paladin Radiators, Jon Walker lists five effective tips to help you cool down your home naturally:
1. Utilise Cross Ventilation
It’s really important to try and maximise airflow to cool down your home. Try creating a cross breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the house.
This method allows cooler air to flow in and warm air to escape. If your home is across multiple levels, open windows on all floors to let the warm air rise and exit through the upper windows, drawing cooler air in from below.
2. Block Out the Sun
It does seem a shame to blot out the sun, especially when it’s lovely and warm, but windows can act like magnifying glasses and can end up intensifying the pure heat of the sun.
During the hottest part of the day, keep curtains, blinds, or shutters closed to block out direct sunlight. Opt for light-coloured or reflective materials to deflect heat.
External shading options, such as awnings or pergolas with climbing plants, can also provide effective barriers against the sun’s rays as well as looking good.
3. Use Fans Wisely
Fans can be your best friend when it gets too hot indoors, but used badly can just waft around hot, sticky air. Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise in the summer to push cooler air down.
If you don’t have the luxury of having ceiling fans, then consider placing a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of a table fan. This simple trick can help blow cooler air around the room.
4. Insulate and Ventilate the Loft
British homes often have loft spaces that can become heat traps. Proper insulation of the loft can prevent heat from seeping into your living areas. You should also make sure that your loft is well-ventilated. Installing vents or using a loft fan can help expel hot air and keep the house that much cooler.
5. Cool Down Your Bedding and Yourself
There’s nothing worse than feeling overly hot at night.
Switching to lightweight, breathable bedding materials like cotton or linen during the summer months can really help.
These materials definitely allow better airflow and reduce heat retention. For an extra cooling effect, you should also consider placing your sheets or pillowcases in the freezer for a few minutes before bed as it will make for a refreshingly cool way to settle down for the night.
It might sound obvious, but staying hydrated and taking cool showers can also help lower your body temperature, which makes it easier to stay comfortable in a warmer home.
By implementing these tips, you can create a more comfortable living environment without relying on air conditioning. It’s always important to remember that small changes can make a big difference in keeping your home cool during those warm British summers!
“I want to say thanks and how fantastic the radiators look along with the cast quality and the excellent painting and polishing finish. I now can’t wait to get them installed! Many thanks again for all your help and assistance.”
“Thank you for all your help, we will definitely recommend Paladin to anyone we know who is looking for cast iron radiators and will get in touch when we’re needing radiators for our ground floor.”