As the hotter weather sets in over the UK, do you know how to keep your home cool? Let’s look at five ways.
1. Insulation
If you thought cavity wall insulation was just to keep your house warm in winter, think again. Wall insulation can significantly cool down your house in summer, as it acts like a stronger barrier to prevent excess heat from getting through the walls.
2. Internal shade
As much as you might want to open all your windows and blinds to let the fresh summer air seep into your house, this is not the best idea during the midday heat. You are way better following the lead of the French and opening your windows a fraction to allow air circulation, but with your blinds most of the way down and closed against the direct sunlight. Solid shutters are an even better choice during a heatwave.
3. External shading
By stopping the sun before it reaches your house, you are instantly keeping your home cooler. If you don’t have a covered terrace, consider erecting a sail or brise soleil from a company such as //alusystems.uk/brise-soleil-solar-shading. This will keep the strong rays from the sun at arm’s length.
4. Light decor
You may be surprised to hear that the colour of your walls can impact the temperature inside your house; for example, dark walls teamed with overly plush furnishings can absorb heat and make a space feel much hotter. White walls, although bright, will bounce light around yet help to keep the interior of your home nice and cool; as an example, think of the white-washed walls commonly found in Spanish villas..
5. Ventilation
As we have said before, fresh air is vital to prevent a build-up of warm, stuffy air. If ventilation and some of the other methods above are not doing the trick, there is also the option to use fans. While these only blow the same air around, they can help to keep a room feeling cooler in the short term.