Maintaining a Comfortable Indoor Environment During Heatwaves
When external temperatures climb, a combination of straightforward techniques can help mitigate the heat within your living space and on your person. Experts suggest several practical approaches to achieve this.
Optimize Air Circulation
To encourage airflow and release trapped warm air, opening windows on opposing sides of a house can be effective. This method is most beneficial during cooler periods, typically overnight or in the early morning, when the outdoor air temperature is lower than indoors. For apartments with windows on only one side, opening interior doors and utilizing a fan can help create a similar air movement. Given that hot air rises, opening loft vents or upper-floor windows can assist in expelling heat that might otherwise accumulate on higher levels, potentially disrupting sleep. Additionally, adequate insulation not only reduces winter heating costs but also helps prevent heat from entering during summer.
Block Out Daytime Heat
During the hottest parts of the day, it is advisable to keep windows closed and blinds or curtains drawn, particularly on sides of the home exposed to direct sunlight. This helps to prevent warmer air from entering and radiant heat from penetrating the interior.
Leverage Fans Effectively
Fans offer a cost-effective and energy-efficient method for circulating air and providing a sense of coolness. A typical freestanding fan costs approximately 15p to 31p for 24 hours of continuous use, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Positioning a fan in front of an open window can draw cooler outdoor air into a room, provided the external temperature is lower. Placing ice cubes in front of a fan can further cool the air it directs. Using multiple fans can create a cross-current for enhanced effect. Professor Mike Tipton of the University of Portsmouth notes that fanning the face primarily improves thermal comfort, while fanning the entire body is more effective in lowering core body temperature. However, he cautions that fans may be counterproductive in temperatures exceeding 35C, as they simply circulate hot air. Air conditioning, by comparison, is significantly more expensive, costing an estimated £4.84 to £6 for 24 hours of continuous use.
Minimize Heat-Generating Activities
Appliances such as ovens and cookers release considerable heat into the home during and after use. Opting for cold meals like salads, especially during peak heat hours, can prevent unnecessary heat generation. Other appliances, including washing machines and dishwashers, also produce heat; therefore, it's wise to avoid using them during the hottest times. High humidity can contribute to heat exhaustion. Reducing indoor humidity levels can be achieved by taking shorter, cooler showers, wiping down wet surfaces, and moving indoor plants outdoors. While heat exhaustion is generally not serious if addressed promptly, heatstroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Actively Cool Your Body
Taking tepid showers can help lower body temperature without causing the body to constrict blood flow to the skin, which can trap heat. Prof. Tipton advises against excessively cold showers for this reason. Applying an ice pack or a cold-water bottle, perhaps wrapped in a towel, can offer immediate relief. Clothing choices also play a role: loose-fitting garments made from natural fibers like cotton and linen allow for better air circulation and temperature regulation, which is why cotton bed sheets are often recommended for hot nights.
Seek Cooler Public Spaces
If your home becomes uncomfortably hot, public buildings equipped with air conditioning, such as libraries, leisure centers, and shopping malls, can provide a cool respite. Some local authorities have also established designated "cool spaces" for public use in cities like London, Manchester, and Bristol.
Source: Six ways to keep your home and yourself cool in hot weather