How to Keep Your Home Cool During a Heatwave

Simple Ways to Keep Your Home Cooler

When temperatures climb, keeping your home comfortable can become surprisingly difficult. Rooms that normally feel pleasant can quickly become stuffy and overheated, particularly when strong sunlight is coming through the windows.

The good news is that there are several simple things you can do to help keep your home cooler during a heatwave. From managing your windows and blinds to making better use of ventilation, small changes can make a difference.

Block Out Direct Sunlight

One of the most effective ways to reduce heat entering your home is to limit direct sunlight.
Windows exposed to strong sunlight can allow heat into your home throughout the day. Closing blinds or shutters before the sun reaches the window can help reduce this.
This is particularly important for south and west-facing windows, which can receive strong sunlight during the afternoon and evening.

Top Tip: Don’t wait until your room feels hot before closing your blinds. If direct sunlight is heading towards a window, close the blind beforehand to help prevent the room from heating up.

Choose the Right Window Coverings

Your choice of window covering can have an important role in managing sunlight and glare. Roller blinds are a popular option because they are available in a wide variety of fabrics, including blackout options. Shutters offer adjustable louvres, allowing you to control sunlight while still letting some natural light into the room.
External shading can also be particularly useful because it helps prevent sunlight from reaching the glass in the first place.

Keep Windows Closed at the Right Time

It can feel natural to open all your windows when your home gets hot, but this is not always the best approach.
If the air outside is hotter than the air inside your home, opening your windows can actually allow more heat in.
During the hottest part of the day, keep windows closed where possible. Once temperatures outside begin to fall, open windows to allow cooler air to circulate.

Make the Most of Cooler Mornings and Evenings

Ventilation can be particularly useful when outdoor temperatures are lower.

Early morning and later in the evening are often cooler than the middle of the day. Opening windows during these periods can help release warm air and bring cooler air into your home.
Creating a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of your property can also improve airflow.

Reduce Heat from Inside Your Home

Sunlight isn’t the only source of heat indoors. Everyday appliances can also contribute.

During particularly hot weather, consider limiting the use of ovens, hobs and other appliances that produce significant amounts of heat.

Where possible, cook outdoors or choose meals that don’t require prolonged use of the oven.

Summer Tip: Switch off lights and electrical equipment when you don’t need them. While individual devices may produce relatively little heat, reducing unnecessary sources can help keep your home more comfortable.

Don’t Forget Your Bedroom

Getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult when your bedroom remains hot after sunset.

During the day, keep direct sunlight out using blinds or shutters. Then, once the outdoor temperature falls, ventilate the room to release trapped heat.

Blackout blinds can be particularly useful because they combine strong light control with a darker sleeping environment.

Can Awnings Help Keep Your Home Cool?

Awnings aren’t only useful for creating comfortable outdoor seating areas. By providing shade outside windows and doors, they can help reduce direct sunlight reaching the glass.

This can be particularly useful for rooms that become hot during the afternoon.

Retractable awnings also give you flexibility, allowing you to choose when you want shade and when you want to enjoy the sunshine.

Heatwave Cooling FAQs

Should I keep my blinds closed during a heatwave?

If your windows receive direct sunlight, keeping your blinds closed during the hottest part of the day can help reduce the amount of sunlight and heat entering the room.

Is it better to open or close windows during a heatwave?

It depends on the temperature outside. If it is hotter outdoors than indoors, keeping windows closed can help. When outdoor temperatures fall below the indoor temperature, opening windows can help cool your home.

What type of blinds are best for hot rooms?

Blackout roller blinds can be a useful option for rooms that receive strong sunlight. Shutters and external screen blinds can also provide effective control over sunlight and glare.

How can I keep my bedroom cool at night?

Keep direct sunlight out during the day, then ventilate the room when outdoor temperatures become cooler. Blackout blinds can also help reduce early morning sunlight.

Make Your Home More Comfortable This Summer

You don’t need to completely redesign your home to make it more comfortable during hot weather. Managing sunlight, improving ventilation and choosing effective window coverings can all help.

Feran offers bespoke roller blinds, shutters, external screen blinds and awnings designed to suit different homes and requirements. If you’re looking for ways to manage heat and sunlight this summer, speak to the Feran team about your options.