How to keep cool on a budget

It’s easy to forget that summer can also have an impact on our energy usage, as we desperately try to keep our homes cool.  Despite the days being warmer and longer, we may find ourselves using energy in attempts to cool the property.

Here are some examples of what you can do to try and reduce the temperature in your home

• Stay hydrated – sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.  Evolution has allowed our bodies to adapt to changing temperatures, however, the body can only cool itself through perspiration if it has adequate levels of fluid in the body.  Alcohol and caffeine can cause dehydration, so limit your intake where possible and stick to water.

• Keep windows closed during warm days – Opening the windows on warm days can actually raise the temperature of your home if the temperature outside is warmer than on the inside.  It is recommended that you wait until the temperature drops (such as in the evening or early morning) before opening windows, to let the cooler air circulate through the rooms.

• Keep curtains/blinds closed during the warmer temperatures – You may have heard that you should keep curtains closed during the day during the warm weather but there are certain conditions that you would need to consider.  If you have light-coloured curtains, then it is advisable to keep them closed as it can prevent up to 30% of unwanted heat due to light colours reflecting direct sunlight.  If your curtains are dark, then it is advisable to keep them open, as dark colours absorb heat.

• Dig out the hot water bottle – I know what you are thinking, why would I need a hot water bottle in the summer? However, they can double up as an ice pack.  Instead of filling it with hot water, fill it with cold water and pop it in the freezer.  Just be mindful not to put too much water in it as water expands when frozen.

• Create your own DIY Air conditioning unit – As heat waves only last a few weeks per year, it is not cost-effective in the UK to invest in an air condition unit.  Instead, you can take a normal desktop fan and place either an ice pack, or frozen bottle of water so that it blows cold air.  *Please ensure that you keep fluids away from electrical sources.

• Less is more -Most people like the security of being covered with a blanket or duvet whilst they sleep however when the room is too hot, they can become unbearable.  Instead, we recommend sleeping with either a cotton flat sheet or just a duvet cover.

• Dress accordingly – During warm weather, it is recommended to wear loose fitting, light coloured cotton clothing to avoid feeling sticky and uncomfortable.  As with the previous point, light colours reflect heat where as dark clothing absorbs the heat.