How to Keep Your Home Cool During a Heatwave

HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOME COOL DURING A HEATWAVE: PRACTICAL TIPS FOR UK HOMEOWNERS

When temperatures soar, keeping your home comfortable can become a challenge. While many of us dream of air conditioning, most UK homes are not built with extreme heat in mind. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple and effective ways to keep your home cooler during a heatwave without sending your energy bills through the roof.

Whether you are trying to sleep better, work comfortably from home or simply escape the midday heat, these practical tips can make a noticeable difference.

Keep Windows and Curtains Closed During the Day

It may seem counterintuitive, but opening windows during the hottest part of the day often lets more warm air into your home.

Instead, close windows and external doors once temperatures begin to rise. Keep curtains, blinds and shutters closed, particularly on south and west facing windows. Blackout curtains and thermal blinds can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your home.

Think of your home as a cool box. The aim is to keep the cooler air trapped inside.

Open Windows at Night

As temperatures drop in the evening, open windows on opposite sides of the house to encourage cross ventilation.

This allows cooler air to flow through the property and helps remove the heat that has built up during the day.

If it is safe to do so, leave upstairs windows slightly open overnight, as warm air naturally rises.

Use Fans More Effectively

Fans do not lower the temperature, but they can make you feel significantly cooler by increasing airflow.

A simple trick is to place a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of a fan. As the air passes over the ice, it creates a refreshing cooling effect.

If you have ceiling fans, ensure they rotate anti clockwise during summer to push cooler air downwards.

Reduce Heat From Household Appliances

Many household appliances generate surprising amounts of heat.

During a heatwave, try to avoid using the oven during the hottest part of the day. Consider cooking outdoors or using a microwave, slow cooker or air fryer instead.

Switch off electronics when they are not in use and replace older light bulbs with energy efficient LED alternatives.

Every small reduction in heat generation can help keep your home more comfortable.

Keep Bedrooms as Cool as Possible

A cool bedroom can make all the difference to your sleep quality.

Use lightweight cotton bedding and keep curtains closed throughout the day. Move portable fans into bedrooms before bedtime and stay well hydrated throughout the evening.

If your home has more than one floor, remember that downstairs rooms are often noticeably cooler during the hottest weather.

Create Shade Outside

Your garden can play an important role in helping your home stay cool.

Trees, pergolas, awnings and climbing plants can provide natural shade and reduce the amount of direct sunlight reaching your property.

Even temporary shade sails over patios and large windows can help lower indoor temperatures.

Do Not Overlook Loft Insulation

Many homeowners associate insulation with keeping a property warm in winter, but it is equally important during the summer months.

Good loft insulation helps slow the transfer of heat into your home, making it easier to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Modern energy efficient homes often stay noticeably cooler during periods of extreme weather.

Look After Family Members and Pets

Heatwaves can be particularly challenging for young children, older adults and pets.

Make sure everyone stays hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day and check regularly on elderly relatives or neighbours.

Pets should always have access to fresh water and cool shaded areas.

Is Your Home Ready for Hotter Summers?

Climate experts predict that heatwaves will become more common across the UK. As buyers increasingly consider energy efficiency and year round comfort when choosing a home, features such as quality insulation, modern glazing, solar shading and energy efficient construction are becoming more desirable.

Some of the most comfortable homes during recent heatwaves have been newer, highly insulated properties designed to maintain a stable internal temperature throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

A few simple changes can make a significant difference during a heatwave. By keeping sunlight out during the day, encouraging airflow at night and reducing internal heat sources, you can create a cooler and more comfortable environment for your family.

If you are considering moving and would like advice on the most energy efficient homes currently available in Marlborough, Devizes or the surrounding villages, I would be delighted to help.

Reviews

"Ellie was efficient, professional and helpful. She kept us informed of proceedings. We had our first buyer pull out and Ellie re-sold the property in 3 days which was completed very quickly. Would highly recommend Ellie and Nest Estate Agents."
— Sue Hibbard
"James was brilliant from start to finish helping to ensure it was seamless. He turned it around in 10 weeks (3 weeks of that was due to no fault of James’ so could’ve been even quicker!) James was easy to contact, even outside of office hours, very informative and always happy to help. He produced great advertisement, the imagery and videography was outstanding and truly made our property stand out from the rest which sold..."
— Megan Hills
"Couldn't ask for better! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We approached Kim after struggling to get traction selling our unique cottage and it was beginning to feel like a daunting task, but Kim made it look easy. She is proactive, incredible attention to detail, and has a wonderful way of making you feel like her only client. With previous agents we were continually reiterating details of our property post viewing and losing traction, however Kim always knew the details..."
— Matthew Smith
"We had a fantastic experience with Libby throughout what turned out to be a long and sometimes challenging house moving process. From start to finish, she was consistently professional, proactive, and incredibly supportive. What really stood out was her communication. She kept us fully up to date at every stage, ensuring we always knew what was happening and what to expect next. Whether it was a quick update, a detailed explanation, or simply checking in,..."
— Josh Clements-Wood
"I used Georgina at Nest for the purchase of my property and couldn’t fault her at all. She kept communication open throughout, was easy to get a hold of, booking any viewings was painless, and she was professional and helpful. I’d had previously disappointing interactions with other estate agents as a buyer where they were pushy, didn’t feel like they listened, or just even trying to book a viewing felt like hard work. It was..."
— Freya
"Matt was absolutely amazing from start to finish for the sale of our home. Communication was at it’s finest which was really important to us leaving zero uncertainty throughout the sale we knew we were in safe hands. Buying/selling houses is known for being a stressful time but I couldn’t have been any easier using Matt, all the stress and things you could possibly worry about just went out the window. Not only will I..."
— Tom Bell
"We have been working with Lyn now for a couple of years and she goes above and beyond to make sure she gets the best marketing for the properties she is putting on the market for clients! If you are looking at selling your house, get lyn round and she will look after you 100%"
— Terry Fay
"Tom was superb to work with from start to finish. His approach to marketing felt modern and proactive, with excellent photography and strong use of social media to properly showcase the property rather than just listing it online and hoping for the best. He was always polite, approachable, and quick to help, making the whole process smooth and straightforward. Tom’s style of communication and way of working was modern, easy and efficient. We genuinely believe..."
— Charlotte Green
"I recently sold my property through Victoria @ Nest Associates and I cannot speak highly enough of the service I received. My sale turned out to be far more complicated than expected, but Victoria handled every obstacle with professionalism, patience, and remarkable skill. Throughout the process, she kept me fully updated, offered clear and calm guidance, and consistently went the extra mile to ensure the sale stayed on track. Her communication was outstanding, and her..."
— Dean Richards

Reviews

"Ellie was efficient, professional and helpful. She kept us informed of proceedings. We had our first buyer pull out and Ellie re-sold the property in 3 days which was completed very quickly. Would highly recommend Ellie and Nest Estate Agents."
— Sue Hibbard
"James was brilliant from start to finish helping to ensure it was seamless. He turned it around in 10 weeks (3 weeks of that was due to no fault of James’ so could’ve been even quicker!) James was easy to contact, even outside of office hours, very informative and always happy to help. He produced great advertisement, the imagery and videography was outstanding and truly made our property stand out from the rest which sold..."
— Megan Hills
"Couldn't ask for better! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We approached Kim after struggling to get traction selling our unique cottage and it was beginning to feel like a daunting task, but Kim made it look easy. She is proactive, incredible attention to detail, and has a wonderful way of making you feel like her only client. With previous agents we were continually reiterating details of our property post viewing and losing traction, however Kim always knew the details..."
— Matthew Smith
"We had a fantastic experience with Libby throughout what turned out to be a long and sometimes challenging house moving process. From start to finish, she was consistently professional, proactive, and incredibly supportive. What really stood out was her communication. She kept us fully up to date at every stage, ensuring we always knew what was happening and what to expect next. Whether it was a quick update, a detailed explanation, or simply checking in,..."
— Josh Clements-Wood
"I used Georgina at Nest for the purchase of my property and couldn’t fault her at all. She kept communication open throughout, was easy to get a hold of, booking any viewings was painless, and she was professional and helpful. I’d had previously disappointing interactions with other estate agents as a buyer where they were pushy, didn’t feel like they listened, or just even trying to book a viewing felt like hard work. It was..."
— Freya
"Matt was absolutely amazing from start to finish for the sale of our home. Communication was at it’s finest which was really important to us leaving zero uncertainty throughout the sale we knew we were in safe hands. Buying/selling houses is known for being a stressful time but I couldn’t have been any easier using Matt, all the stress and things you could possibly worry about just went out the window. Not only will I..."
— Tom Bell
"We have been working with Lyn now for a couple of years and she goes above and beyond to make sure she gets the best marketing for the properties she is putting on the market for clients! If you are looking at selling your house, get lyn round and she will look after you 100%"
— Terry Fay
"Tom was superb to work with from start to finish. His approach to marketing felt modern and proactive, with excellent photography and strong use of social media to properly showcase the property rather than just listing it online and hoping for the best. He was always polite, approachable, and quick to help, making the whole process smooth and straightforward. Tom’s style of communication and way of working was modern, easy and efficient. We genuinely believe..."
— Charlotte Green
"I recently sold my property through Victoria @ Nest Associates and I cannot speak highly enough of the service I received. My sale turned out to be far more complicated than expected, but Victoria handled every obstacle with professionalism, patience, and remarkable skill. Throughout the process, she kept me fully updated, offered clear and calm guidance, and consistently went the extra mile to ensure the sale stayed on track. Her communication was outstanding, and her..."
— Dean Richards