Summer has settled in with plenty of sunshine in recent weeks, but a heatwave is now on the way, bringing much hotter conditions later this week. While the return of warm weather is welcome, rising temperatures can quickly lead to discomfort, making it harder to focus, relax or sleep.
It’s essential to know how to keep your home cool and ensure you can focus on work, enjoy your leisure time, and get a good night’s sleep during these hotter periods.
Chris Michael, Chair of air treatment specialists Meaco, shares five essential tips to stay cool and get a restful night’s sleep this summer:
1. Use a Cold Water Bottle
Fill your hot water bottle with water and freeze it before bedtime. This makes a simple and effective ice pack to keep you cool overnight without adding to your energy bill.
2. Close Blinds and Curtains
Direct sunlight through windows quickly heats up your home. Keep blinds, curtains and windows closed during the hottest part of the day, especially those facing south. Once the temperature drops in the evening, open them to let cooler air in.
3. Take Warm Showers
Although it seems counterintuitive, a warm shower before bed helps the body regulate its temperature more effectively. Cold showers can trigger the body to generate heat, whereas a warm shower encourages the body to cool down naturally.
4. Buy a Fan Before the Rush
As soon as warm weather is forecast, fans start to sell out quickly. Buying a high-quality air circulating fan in advance ensures you’re ready. Look for reputable brands with strong reviews and clever features like ECO mode to save energy.
For bedroom use, choose a quiet fan. Loud fans can disturb sleep, so consider models that are Quiet Mark accredited and include Night Mode for uninterrupted rest. Low energy consumption is also key, especially if you plan to run the fan all night.
5. Check Windows and Doors
Gaps around windows and doors can let in heat during summer just as they let out heat in winter. Sealing these gaps is a quick, cost-effective way to keep your indoor space cooler with less effort.