An electrician has shared a simple method to keep your home cool during the heatwaves this summer – and it will help to keep your energy bills down at the same time
As the UK basks in summer heat and frequent scorchers, keeping your home comfortably cool can be a bit of a struggle. Many Brits resort to fans and dehumidifiers to combat the heat, but these can cause energy bills to skyrocket. Don’t worry, there’s a solution that will help you save money.
An electrician has now revealed a simple daily habit that could help keep homes cooler while also keeping energy costs in check. James Harrison, director at Fusion Electrical, suggests that something as minor as how you manage your curtains, blinds and windows each morning can make a significant difference.
READ MORE: Benefit claimants could be owed thousands due to compensation error
By blocking out the sun initially, your home naturally stays cooler, reducing the need to switch on any cooling devices, reports the Manchester Evening News. He said: “Windows are one of the main ways heat gets into a house, even double glazing can only do so much.”
Harrison advised: “Open windows first thing in the morning to let fresh air in – but shut them again before the outside temperature climbs, usually mid-morning. Curtains and blinds act like an extra layer of insulation, blocking out the worst of the heat.”
“It sounds obvious, but one of the best ways to stop your home overheating is to keep your curtains closed during the day, especially in rooms that get a lot of sun. It stops the sun turning your living room into a greenhouse,” he pointed out.
The electrician further suggested that blackout curtains or thermal linings can make an even bigger difference – and you don’t need to break the bank to reap the benefits.
READ MORE: People could be due up to £441 a month from DWP for hearing conditions
Here are some additional tips from the expert for keeping your house cool this summer:
Seal up door gaps and letterboxes
“Warm air finds its way in through cracks and gaps. Use draught excluders even in summer to help seal cooler air inside,” he suggested.
Give the oven a break
Harrison recommended: “Avoid cooking large meals during the day. Instead, opt for cold dishes, use a slow cooker, or cook outdoors if you can.”
Be smart with fans and devices
“If you’re using a fan, place a bowl of ice or a frozen bottle of water in front of it. It’ll circulate cooler air instead of just warm air. Plug-in timers are cheap and can help limit how long fans are running, especially overnight. Or try a smart plug and control it via your phone,” he explained.
With rising bills and increasingly hot summers, small, low-cost changes can make a significant difference. Harrison concluded: “Everyone assumes staying cool means switching things on,” Harrison said. “But often, it’s about what you keep shut – windows, blinds, even doors.”