Temperatures are due to hit 40+ degrees over the next couple of days, so I thought I’d do some research and bring you some of the information I found on how you can keep your home a little cooler.
Close Blinds and Curtains
On a bright sunny day, we’d love to open the curtains and let the sunshine in. Unfortunately, this creates a greenhouse effect in your home.
Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day, particularly those on the sunny side of the property.
I’ve not tried this tip myself, but have seen someone claim that spraying water on the windows and ‘sticking’ kitchen foil to them keeps out a huge amount of heat.
An Icey Fan
Place a tray of ice in front of a fan. The ice will evaporate and will be carried around the room, making things a little more bearable.
A ‘Cold’ Water Bottle
A hot water bottle can be partially filled with water an placed in the fridge or freezer. You’ll then have a homemade ice pack for when you need it.
If freezing, remember not to fill the water bottle up to the top as ice expands and may split the bottle.
Sleep Like An Egyptian
Not many of us are lucky enough to have air conditioning in our homes, and neither did the ancient Egyptians.
A trick they used was to sleep under a damp (not soaking) cotton sheet.
More Wet Sheets
Speaking of wet sheets, they can be used in other ways.
A wet/damp sheet hung in front of an open window. The breeze will carry some of the water into the air making you feel cooler.
Should only really do this in the evening when it won’t be hot air blowing into your home.
Forget Cooking
Not only is it a pain to cook in a hot kitchen, the hob and oven etc will give off excess heat. Big no-no in the coming days.
Perhaps make lighter bites with little to no cooking required. Maybe even a takeaway 😁
Pulse Points
Pulse points are where blood vessels are close enough to the skin for one’s pulse to be felt. By sprinkling cold water or applying a cold compress to these locations, you should able to lower the temperature of your blood. The blood will then pass through these pulse points and make you feel cooler as its dispersed throughout your body.
Your wrists, temples, and the back of your neck are common pulse points, but applying cool water (e.g., via an ice pack or by wetting the pulse points) anywhere you can feel your pulse should help to cool you down.
Turn Off The Lights And Tech
Even super efficient modern lightbulbs give off some heat.
Devices such as laptops, PCs and televisions give off even more.
If you’re able to, consider given them a break for a little while.
Sleep Downstairs
It’s a bit of a drastic move, but as heat rises, cooler air will move to the lower part of your home so could be more comfortable for you.
If you live in a flat or don’t want to go downstairs, then you could move the bedding to the floor.
Hopefully at least some of these steps work for you and you are able to have a more comfortable time over the next couple of days.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and keep an eye out for anyone who maybe vulnerable.
If you want any more information, or would just like a chat about the current market, please feel free to get in touch. Thanks for reading
Lianne Woodhead
Director
01933 837000
lianne@woodheadandco.co.uk