When the UK experiences a heatwave, keeping your home comfortable can quickly become a challenge. Many rental properties don't have air conditioning, and buying portable cooling units isn't always practical or affordable.
Fortunately, there are plenty of simple ways to keep your home cooler without spending a fortune. Small changes to how you ventilate your home, block out heat and use appliances can make a noticeable difference, helping you stay comfortable while keeping energy bills down.
Let fresh air in at the right time
Opening every window during the hottest part of the day can actually make your home warmer. Instead, open windows early in the morning and again later in the evening when outdoor temperatures have dropped.
If your property has windows on opposite sides, opening both can create a cross-breeze that helps move cooler air through your home.
Close curtains or blinds before the sun gets in
One of the easiest ways to stop your home overheating is to prevent the sun from warming it in the first place. Keep curtains or blinds closed on windows that receive direct sunlight, particularly during the afternoon when the sun is at its strongest.
Blackout curtains are especially effective if you already have them, but even standard curtains can help reduce the amount of heat entering a room.
Switch off appliances you aren't using
Many electrical appliances continue to generate heat even when they're on standby. Televisions, games consoles, desktop computers and chargers can all contribute to warmer indoor temperatures.
Turning appliances off when they're not needed won't just help keep your home cooler – it can also reduce your electricity bill.
Cook smarter
Using the oven for an hour on a hot afternoon is a quick way to heat up your kitchen. During warmer weather, try choosing meals that require little cooking, such as salads, wraps or pasta dishes prepared in advance.
If you do need to cook, appliances like microwaves or air fryers generally produce less excess heat than a conventional oven.
Use fans more effectively
Although fans don't lower the temperature of a room, they help your body feel cooler by circulating air. Positioning a fan near an open window during the evening can help draw cooler air inside.
For an extra cooling effect, try placing a bowl of ice or a frozen bottle of water in front of the fan. As the ice melts, the airflow can feel noticeably cooler.
Dry clothes outside where possible
If you have access to a garden, balcony or communal drying area, take advantage of the warmer weather by drying washing outdoors.
Not only will your clothes dry quickly, but you'll avoid the extra heat and humidity created by a tumble dryer.
Reduce humidity inside your home
Humidity can make warm weather feel even more uncomfortable. After showering or cooking, use extractor fans if available and ventilate the room once the outside air begins to cool.
Reducing excess moisture can help your home feel fresher and less stuffy, even if the temperature hasn't changed dramatically.
Make the most of outdoor shade
If your rental property has a balcony, patio or garden, adding temporary shade can stop the sun heating nearby walls and windows. A parasol or pop-up gazebo can make outdoor spaces more comfortable while also helping reduce the amount of heat entering your home.
Just be sure any additions are suitable for the space and don't require permanent fixtures without your landlord's permission.
Keeping your home comfortable during the summer doesn't have to mean investing in expensive cooling equipment. By blocking out direct sunlight, improving ventilation, reducing unnecessary heat and making a few simple lifestyle changes, you can create a cooler living space while keeping your energy costs under control.
Most of these tips are free to put into practice, making them ideal for renters looking to stay comfortable throughout the warmer months.
