The UK is preparing for its first heatwave of the year, with temperatures potentially reaching 33°C in some areas from Saturday. As climate change makes such extreme weather more common, keeping homes cool becomes increasingly important. While the government has been urged to set maximum workplace temperatures and the Climate Change Committee calls for cooling technologies in schools and hospitals, many people are looking for ways to beat the heat at home.
British homes, designed for a temperate climate, often struggle during heatwaves. To help, we asked ChatGPT for heatwave tips suitable for all budgets, from free to high-cost solutions. The AI provided a comprehensive list tailored to UK housing stock, including brick terraces, semis, and loft-heavy homes.
No-Cost Solutions
Night Flushing Ventilation
Open windows wide overnight and early morning when temperatures are lower. Create cross-breezes by opening windows on opposite sides of the house. Close windows and curtains before the hottest part of the day to trap cooler air inside.
Block Sunlight Strategically
Keep curtains and blinds shut on south- and west-facing windows during sunny hours. Rooms with direct afternoon sun heat up dramatically, even in the UK.
Move Heat-Generating Activities
Avoid using ovens, tumble dryers, dishwashers, or gaming PCs during the hottest part of the day. Cook later in the evening or use a microwave or air fryer instead.
Sleep Cooler
Move bedding to a lower floor if bedrooms are in a hot loft conversion. Use cotton bedding and sleep with windows open safely where possible. A cool shower before bed helps reduce core body temperature.
Create Shaded Cool Rooms
Identify the naturally coolest room in the house, often north-facing downstairs. Spend the hottest afternoon hours there instead of trying to cool the whole home.
Low-Cost Solutions
Reflective or Blackout Thermal Curtains
These are particularly useful for west-facing rooms and conservatories. Even inexpensive thermal linings can noticeably reduce solar heat gain.
Use Portable Fans Effectively
Fans cool people, not rooms, so point them at occupied areas. Place a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of the airflow for temporary evaporative cooling.
Install Temporary External Shading
Shade outside the glass works far better than shading inside. Consider shade sails, outdoor blinds, bamboo screening, or temporary awnings for patios and conservatories.
Seal and Insulate Loft Hatches
In many UK homes, loft heat radiates downward into upstairs rooms. Simple draught-proofing and hatch insulation help reduce heat transfer.
Improve Garden Shading
Plant fast-growing climbers or use trellises and pergolas. Trees and greenery can reduce local temperatures around the property over time.
Medium-Cost Solutions
Upgrade Loft Insulation Intelligently
Good loft insulation helps with both winter heat retention and slowing summer heat transfer. Pair it with proper loft ventilation so heat does not build excessively in the roof space.
Install External Shutters or Exterior Blinds
These are much more effective than interior blinds because they stop heat before it enters. Particularly useful on large south-facing windows and bifold doors.
Replace Old Curtains or Blinds with Solar-Control Options
Cellular blinds, reflective roller blinds, and solar fabrics can significantly reduce overheating.
Improve Window Ventilation
Add secure night vents, restrictors, or trickle vents to allow overnight airflow safely. Especially useful in urban areas where fully open windows at night may not feel secure.
Reduce Heat from Glazing-Heavy Spaces
Conservatories and sunrooms are often the hottest spaces in UK homes. Roof blinds, solar-control film, or insulated roof panels can make them more usable in summer.
High-Cost Solutions
Install an Air-Source Heat Pump with Cooling Capability
Some modern systems can provide efficient summer cooling as well as winter heating. This can future-proof homes as UK summers continue warming.
Fit High-Performance Solar-Control Glazing
Modern glazing can reduce solar gain while still allowing light in. Especially valuable for large modern windows or extensions.
Add External Insulation or Retrofit Shading
External wall insulation can help stabilise indoor temperatures year-round. Deep overhangs, brise-soleil, or permanent awnings are effective passive cooling measures.
Install Whole-House Mechanical Ventilation
Systems such as MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) with summer bypass modes can help maintain air quality and manage heat more effectively.
Re-Roof or Retrofit Roof Cooling Measures
Light-coloured roofing, ventilated roof systems, or improved roof insulation assemblies can substantially reduce upstairs overheating. Particularly worthwhile for loft conversions.
