Practical ways to protect your house from extreme heat
The UK's climate is changing, bringing hotter, drier summers and more frequent periods of extreme heat. According to the Met Office, warm spells have doubled in length over the last 30 years, and all ten of the UK's warmest years on record have occurred since 2002. This warmer weather is clearly here to stay, so let's look at some solutions to alleviate the heat in our homes.
For many people, air conditioning may seem like the obvious solution. However, research from the University of Reading suggests that only 4.3% of homes in England have built-in air conditioning. While air conditioning can provide relief from high temperatures, it comes with significant installation, maintenance and running costs. It also transfers heat outdoors, which can contribute to warmer local environments and increase overall energy demand.
Fortunately, there are several practical and cost-effective ways to keep your home cooler during hot weather.
If you're looking for quick and affordable ways to reduce indoor temperatures, these simple changes can make a noticeable difference.
Humidity can make homes feel warmer because moisture in the air retains heat.
To help reduce humidity levels:
Many common household appliances generate unnecessary heat during hot weather, including:
Where possible, consider using alternatives such as microwaves, air fryers and LED lighting, which produce less heat and consume less energy.
Generally, no during daylight hours. It may feel counterintuitive, but keeping windows closed can help prevent warm air from entering your home when outdoor temperatures are higher than indoor temperatures. This is particularly effective when windows are exposed to direct sunlight, and there is little or no breeze.
Instead, open windows as wide as possible during the early morning and overnight to take advantage of cooler evening and overnight temperatures. Opening windowsat opposite sides of the property creates cross-ventilation, helping hot air escape more efficiently.
If you have loft windows or a loft hatch, opening those can further improve airflow, as hot air naturally rises. The more cooling that takes place overnight, the less heat will build up indoors during the following day.
While these features are great to have, we all know that as soon as the sun hits, they become greenhouses. Large windows, conservatories and skylights can significantly increase indoor temperatures through solar heat gain
Closing blinds, curtains or specialist roof window coverings during periods of direct sunlight can improve thermal performance by up to 33%, depending on the material used. As well as helping keep rooms cooler in summer, this can also improve energy efficiency and cost savings in winter.
Fans do not lower air temperature, but they can help your body cool down by increasing sweat evaporation.
For improved performance, position a fan by an open window when outdoor temperatures are lower than indoor temperatures. This can help draw cooler air into your home while pushing warmer air out. Some people also place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to create a temporary cooling effect.
Trees, shrubs and other plantings can provide natural shading around your property, reducing the amount of direct sunlight reaching walls and windows. They can also help cool the surrounding air through evaporation and provide long-term benefits for both comfort and biodiversity.
Growing or placing plants, trees, and bushes outside is a relatively cheap way to provide shade and cool the surrounding air for as longas they’re there.
Many homes and buildings are designed primarily for winter performance and lack features to manage summer heat. Our homes usually get too hot when several factors are present at once. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, if you’re wondering about long-term fixes, we’ve also explored those:
Smart window and blind systems can respond automatically to changing temperatures, maximising ventilation and shading throughout the day.
Although the initial investment can be significant, research has shown that automated control systems can reduce indoor temperatures by as much as 7°C, potentially transforming an uncomfortable home into a much cooler living space.
External shutters are widely used in warmer parts of Europe and can be highly effective at reducing solar heat gain.
By blocking sunlight before it reaches the glass, shutters prevent windows from absorbing heat and transferring it inside. The air gap created between the shutter and the window also provides another barrier against heating up the inside.
Good-quality insulation does more than keep heat in during winter. It can also slow the movement of heat into your home during summer.
Pay particular attention to:
Modern insulation can improve year-round comfort while helping to reduce energy bills.
If you're exploring cooling options, a heat pump may be worth looking into.
Some heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, offering year-round temperature control with greater energy efficiency than many traditional air-conditioning systems. These highly efficient systems pull from resources that already carry heat or cooling effects, like the ground, air and water, requiring less energy than a traditional air-conditioning unit and have lower costs.
However, not all heat pumps include cooling functionality, so it's important to research which system best suits your property's needs.
Whether you’re thinking of getting one or have alreadyinvested, keep it running efficiently with HomeServe’s air source heat pump servicing. Find out more here.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent across the UK, making home overheating an increasingly important issue for homeowners.
Simple measures such as improving ventilation, shading windows and reducing indoor heat sources can provide immediate relief, while long-term investments like insulation, external shutters and smart home controls can help future-proof your property against rising temperatures.
As always during periods of extreme heat, remember to stay hydrated, take regular breaks from the sun and ensure pets have access to cool, shaded areas and fresh water. We can all make small changes to make living more comfortable for us all.
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