We all love a bit of summer sunshine—but when the heat turns your home into a sauna, it’s time to take action. The good news? Cooling your space doesn’t always require high costs or drastic changes. Whether you’re working from home, binge-watching your favourite series, or just trying to sleep without sticking to the sheets, these clever tips will help you keep your cool when it matters most.
1. Embrace the Night Air
Once the sun sets and temperatures drop, open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a natural cross-breeze. This “night flush” pulls in fresh, cooler air. Just don’t forget to close everything up again by morning to lock in that overnight chill.
2. Block the Sun Before It Bakes Your Room
Sunlight = warmth. Keep curtains, blinds or shutters closed on the sunny side of your home during the hottest hours. South-facing windows get the brunt of it, but don’t neglect those east-facing morning rays or afternoon sun on the west side.
3. Get Fans Working With You, Not Just For You
Fans move air—they don’t cool it. Boost their effect by placing one near a window in the evening to pull in cooler air or aim it across a bowl of ice for a DIY cooling breeze. Ceiling fan? Set it to rotate counterclockwise to push air downward.
4. Power Down the Heat-Makers
Ovens, tumble dryers and even your laptop can crank up the temperature indoors. Hold off using heat-producing appliances until the evening or, better yet, switch to no-cook meals and take the barbecue outdoors.
5. Thinking About Portable AC? Know What You’re Signing Up For
Portable air conditioning units can seriously cool a room—but they also use a lot of energy. Choose one suited to your space, seal any window gaps properly, and keep doors closed while it runs. Not in use? Unplug it to avoid standby costs.
6. Evaporative Coolers: The In-Between Option
Evaporative air coolers work by passing air over water, making them more effective than fans but cheaper to run than full-blown AC. Just remember: they add humidity, so keep rooms ventilated to avoid a muggy atmosphere.
7. Insulation Isn’t Just for Winter
A well-insulated home holds in heat during winter—and keeps it out during summer. Think of it like a thermal flask for your house. Loft or wall insulation and sealing up drafts can have a year-round payoff on comfort and energy bills.
8. Invest in Shade
Window films reduce solar heat gain, while external shading like awnings or pergolas stop the sun in its tracks before it even reaches the glass. Bonus points if you plant leafy greenery to shade your windows naturally.
9. Don’t Ignore Your Extractor Fans
Your kitchen and bathroom extractor fans can do more than clear smells and steam—they help remove warm, humid air. Use them while cooking or after a hot shower, and let them run a little longer to keep moisture (and heat) from settling.
10. Cool Smart, Sleep Smart
You don’t need to chill your entire home—just focus on a couple of rooms. Bedrooms on lower floors tend to stay cooler. A damp flannel on your forehead, chilled water bottles at your feet, or cooling gel pillows can make warm nights far more bearable.
With a few thoughtful tweaks—many of which cost next to nothing—you can create a cooler, more comfortable home this summer and beyond. The trick is to think strategically and make small changes that add up to a big impact.
