When temperatures soar, it’s tempting to switch on a fan all day or wish you had air conditioning. But if you don’t have AC, there are plenty of ways to stay cool without sending your energy bills soaring.
The good news is that a few simple changes to how you manage your home, and yourself can make a surprising difference. Here’s how you can keep cool, sleep better and save money at the same time.
Keep the heat out before it gets in
One of the easiest ways to cool your home is to stop it heating up in the first place. As soon as the sun starts shining through your windows, close your curtains or blinds – especially on south and west-facing windows. Blackout curtains are particularly effective, but even standard curtains can help block out heat.
Once the temperature outside drops in the evening, open your windows to let cooler air flow through your home. If possible, open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a breeze that helps flush out warm air.
Use your fan more efficiently
A fan doesn’t actually lower the room’s temperature, but it helps your body cool itself by moving air across your skin. You can make it even more effective by placing a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of the fan. As the air blows over the ice, it creates a cooler breeze without the expense of air conditioning.
Remember to switch your fan off when you leave the room. Fans cool people, not empty spaces, so there’s no point paying to run one if nobody is there.
Avoid creating extra heat
Many everyday appliances generate more heat than you might realise. If you can, avoid using your oven during the hottest part of the day. Instead, opt for meals that don’t need cooking, use a microwave or air fryer, or cook outdoors if you have the option.
It’s also worth leaving jobs like ironing, tumble drying and vacuuming until later in the evening when temperatures have fallen.
Take a lukewarm shower, not a cold one
When you’re feeling hot, a freezing cold shower might seem like the obvious answer. However, a lukewarm shower or bath is actually a better choice. Cold water can cause your blood vessels to constrict, making it harder for your body to release heat afterwards. A lukewarm shower encourages your body to cool itself naturally without triggering that response.
And if you don’t want a full shower, soaking your feet in a bowl of lukewarm water can also help you feel cooler before bed.
Skip the social media myths
You’ve probably seen suggestions to put your duvet, pillows or bed sheets in the freezer before going to bed.
This really isn’t worth the effort. They’ll only stay cold for a few minutes before warming back up, creating extra moisture in your bed. Instead, focus on cooling yourself and your room, rather than trying to chill your bedding.
Switch to LED bulbs
Traditional incandescent bulbs waste a lot of energy by producing heat. If you haven’t already swapped to LED lighting, now could be a good time. LED bulbs use far less electricity, last much longer and stay much cooler while they’re on, helping to reduce both your energy costs and unnecessary heat inside your home.
Turn off electronics you’re not using
The TV, games consoles, computers and chargers all give off heat while they’re running. Switch devices off completely instead of leaving them on standby, and unplug chargers once they’ve finished charging your phone or tablet. It won’t transform the temperature, but every little helps when you’re trying to keep your home cool.
Dry your clothes outside
Using a tumble dryer during hot weather adds heat and humidity to your home while using a significant amount of electricity. If you have access to an outdoor washing line or clothes airer, take advantage of the sunshine instead. Your clothes will often dry quickly, and you’ll save money on your electricity bill too.
Stay hydrated for less
Keeping yourself cool isn’t just about your home. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Refill a reusable bottle with tap water rather than buying bottled drinks, and keep a jug of water in the fridge so you always have a cool drink ready.
Cool your bedroom naturally
Sleeping in hot weather can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to make bedtime easier. Use lightweight cotton bedding rather than a heavy duvet, and keep your bedroom windows closed during the day if it’s hotter outside than indoors. Once temperatures fall in the evening, open them to let fresh air circulate.
Think twice before buying expensive gadgets
When the weather gets hot, it’s easy to be tempted by portable air conditioners or cooling gadgets. Before spending money, check how much they’ll cost to run as well as the purchase price. Portable air conditioning units can use a significant amount of electricity, so they may increase your energy bills considerably. Often, improving ventilation, blocking sunlight and using fans effectively can provide enough relief at a fraction of the cost.
Staying cool doesn’t have to cost a fortune
You don’t need air conditioning to stay comfortable during a heatwave. By keeping heat out during the day, making the most of cooler evenings, using appliances wisely and using simple cooling techniques recommended by sleep experts, you can keep both your home and your energy bills under control.
Small changes can add up, helping you stay cool, sleep better and keep more money in your pocket throughout the summer.