A study of 2,000 adults has revealed the ideal temperature for Brits is 23 degrees, while 32 degrees is the point at which the hot weather becomes unbearable
Research suggests that the sweet spot for Brits when it comes to temperature is a comfortable 23 degrees, but once the weather hits 32 degrees, it’s all a bit too much. With forecasts predicting temperatures north of 30 degrees this weekend, we might be in for a bit of trouble.
A survey involving 2,000 adults has revealed the top 30 tactics Brits employ to keep their cool during a heatwave. These range from donning minimal clothing and indulging in a chilly ice cream to taking a refreshing cold shower. Some more unconventional strategies include popping bed sheets in the freezer or putting ice cubes in front of the fan.
Other popular choices involve seeking refuge in air-conditioned buildings and shielding from the sun’s rays with sun hats and sunglasses.
But despite the plethora of techniques used by most Brits, the research showed these methods ‘sometimes’ or ‘rarely’ hit the mark. In fact, on average, the cooling effects fizzle out after just 12 and a half minutes.
A spokesperson for Utilita Energy, which commissioned the research as part of its Power Price List series to demonstrate exactly how much it costs to run a fan, along with 76 other household appliances, commented: “As temperatures hit a record high for this year of 32 degrees, we wanted to see the ways people stay cool during a heatwave.
“Techniques vary from the classic to the experimental – but whatever methods you use, we can all agree that being too hot can really affect how much we enjoy the summertime.”
The study discovered that when temperatures soar to such uncomfortable levels, 55 per cent reported the heat can affect their mood, with irritability and lethargy being common side effects. In fact, two thirds of people have said that overheating is the biggest summer spoiler.
A host of other grievances included having sleepless nights, being dehydrated, and physical discomforts such as nausea, headaches, and chafing.
Over a third of Brits reckon they feel the heat more intensely at home than when abroad, while six out of 10 believe UK summers are hotter now than they were half a decade ago.
Four in 10 would rather be chilly than sweltering in their own homes, so it’s hardly surprising that 34 per cent dream of having an air conditioner to keep their abodes cool. However, over half admit they lack knowledge about how much energy these appliances consume as energy usage is less of a concern during the summer months.
As energy usage is less of a concern during summer, with half claiming they don’t think about it as much as they do during the colder months.
A spokesperson for Utilita Energy said: “It’s interesting to see how people think less about their energy during the warmer months and are less aware of what it costs to keep cool – which is where the Power Price List can help.
“From this, we know the cost of running an air conditioner per use is 92p and a fan is 22p – helping you to stay informed while staying cool.”
BRITS’ TOP 30 WAYS TO STAY COOL IN A HEATWAVE:
- Drink plenty of water
- Have a cold drink
- Sit in the shade
- Open windows
- Wear minimal clothing
- Eat an ice cream
- Stay indoors
- Turn fans on
- Have a cold shower
- Wear sunglasses
- Eat an ice lolly
- Put sun cream on
- Wear a hat
- Eat cold food
- Go into cool/air-conditioned buildings
- Go for a swim
- Use a handheld fan
- Keep skin covered
- Turn on air conditioning in your house
- Be naked
- Use a misting spray
- Have a glass of ice
- Use a cold compress
- Keep your feet cold
- Have an ice bath
- Use a cooling gel/lotion
- Wear UV protective clothing
- Run through sprinklers
- Freeze bed sheets
- Freeze clothing