Most of us love a hot, sunny summer when we can be out and about enjoying a day at the beach or relaxing in our favourite beer gardens, so it has been good to see the long warm summers in some ways, but many of us, if we are honest have struggled with how hot our homes have been getting in the summer heatwaves, right

It’s all fun and games in the outdoors, but when we get home, many of us find ourselves sweltering in the heat and struggling to find a way to cool down. It’s time to change that so that this summer can be your coolest, comfiest one yet.

Understand where the heat comes from

Before tackling the problem, it helps to understand why homes overheat. Most UK houses are built to keep heat in rather than to let it get out. Insulation, double glazing, and compact layouts are excellent for winter efficiency but can trap warmth during summer.

Sunlight through windows is the biggest contributor to rising indoor temperatures. Appliances,  lighting, and electronics also add heat throughout the day, often without being noticed. Once heat builds up, especially during warm nights, it can be difficult to remove without a plan.

Block heat before it gets in

That being the case, the best way to take the heat out of your home is actually to not let it get in at all in the first place.

So, be sure to invest in a good set of (ideally thermal) curtains or blinds, and close them during the day, particularly on south- and west-facing windows. Light-coloured or reflective blinds are especially effective at deflecting sunlight. Thermal or blackout curtains can reduce heat gain significantly when used consistently.

You may also want to install shutters or shades on the outside of your property for extra and even more effective, blocking of the sun.

Be careful when you open the windows

Of course, the heat of the sun can also get into your home through open windows, so although it is many people’s natural inclination to open the windows when it is hot, this is actually counterintuitive and will make your home hotter during the day when the sun is at it’s brighterst.

It’s much more effective to open your windows first thing in the morning when it’s still relatively cool and in the late evenings when the same is true – just make sure you close and lock up before you go to sleep to keep things safe.

Improve your home’s insulation

When we think about insulation, most of us think about it keeping our home warm in the winter, but good insulation is also vital for keeping your home cool in the hotter months too, so if your home’s insulation is lacking, it might be worth talking to a cavity wall expert to see what can be done before summer comes along.

Consider air conditioning

If you want your home to be cool and comfortable in the hot, long summers, then nothing is going to do the job better than air conditioning, so you should definitely think about installing air con in your property. It’s getting more and more common to do so in the UK as temperatures rise, and most properties can be adapted by competent professionals.

If you do not have the money or if your property is not suitable, then a portable air con unit is a decent alternative.

Invest in an air fryer

How will that help you to take the heat out of your home? It’s simple really; air fryers use less energy and geerts efar less heat than traditional stoves, so if you are looking to avoid overheating in the kitchen when it’s warm, cooking in an air fryer is a really good way to achieve that.

Make bedrooms more comfortable

Hot nights are often the most challenging part of summer heat. Poor sleep affects mood, productivity, and overall wellbeing.

Choose breathable bedding made from cotton or linen rather than synthetic materials. Swap heavy duvets for lightweight summer options, or simple sheets. Keeping bedrooms shaded during the day helps prevent heat build-up, and thorough ventilation in the evening makes falling asleep easier.

As you can see, there is no need to suffer in your home, boiling away in the summer heat, when there are so many simple fixes that will take the heat out of your home and allow you to enjoy the summer a whole lot more, and you have plenty of time to sort them out before summer comes along!