Our Advice Column: How to stop your home overheating in hot weather

I love the summer, but when the weather heats up there are times when the temperature in our home can become unbearable. What can I do to try and keep it cool?

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An overheating home can make life very uncomfortable and could even have a negative impact on your health. Here are some simple steps you can take to help make your surroundings more bearable when the temperature rises:

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Let cool air in

Open windows on opposite sides of your home to encourage air flow by letting warm air out and cooler air in. It’s best to do this overnight or early in the morning when the temperature outside tends to be cooler than it is inside. If you have a loft - opening the hatch can be a good way of letting heat escape.

If you live in a property where you can only open one window (such as a converted building or a single room) - open internal doors to help the air circulate.

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Keep the sunshine out 

One of the most effective (and low cost) ways of keeping your home cool is to close your curtains or blinds on the side of the house where the sun is shining. Keep windows on all sides closed when it's warmer outside than it is inside - typically late morning to early evening. Use fans instead. 

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Use a fan

Fans help circulate the air and create a breeze making your surroundings feel more pleasant. They are cheap to use - generally costing less than 2p an hour to run. Putting a fan by an open window can help draw fresh air into your home - as long as the temperature outside is cooler. 

Placing a bowl of ice cubes or ice packs in front of - but a safe distance from - a fan can help lower the temperature of the air circulating around the room. 

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Escape the heat altogether

If things get really unbearable, you might want to consider heading to the nearest air conditioned building if possible - such as a leisure centre or local library to escape the heat.

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Insulation can help

Energy efficient homes are easier to keep comfortable year-round. A well-insulated property can help prevent unwanted heat from entering during the summer, while retaining warmth during the winter. So, if your home tends to overheat - consider:

• Improving your property’s wall and roof insulation
• Replacing windows - especially with 'low-emissivity' glass which has a coating that reflects UV and ultraviolet, helping prevent too much heat from the sun entering the home and helping keep heat inside the home in winter 
• Ensuring the property is well ventilated via extractor fans and trickle vents 
• Installing window shutters to provide external shading
• Adding solar panels which can be helpful if you tend to use more electricity for cooling fans and/or air conditioning 

You may be entitled to help with paying for improvements to make your property more energy efficient. Check Citizen’s Advice website for information about the schemes and grants that are available. 

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