The best ways to keep your house cool in the summer

UK summers are becoming hotter, more humid and sometimes uncomfortable regarding living conditions and indoor temperatures. Unlike many countries, UK homes aren’t equipped with features such as already installed air conditioning systems or heat-absorbent building materials, leaving many homeowners wondering how they can make their houses as cool as possible when those yearly heat waves come back around. But there are some simple, easy ways in which you can make your home cool and prepare yourself for the summer months!

Creating a cool and comfortable living environment doesn’t always have to come with forking out hundreds of pounds for an air conditioning system. There are also a number of simple, low-cost ways in which you can create a fresh, enjoyable living space in the summertime.

Having an air conditioning unit installed is probably one of the most obvious ways in which you can create a colder environment and although they can be expensive, they come with a number of benefits and also offer cheaper alternatives such as portable air conditioning. By blowing cold air around the building or room, air conditioning is one of the best ways to see instant results and can be worth the investment in the long run as air conditioning units are quiet, and modern and provide a comfortable living environment for all.

Just like when you are sitting outdoors and need to use an umbrella for some cooling shade, keeping curtains and blinds closed throughout the day will block the sun whilst also retaining the heat. This can be especially helpful if you have things such as bifold doors which are south-facing as the sun will be glaring right through into your home.

Investing in an electric fan is perfect for a quick solution in terms of creating a cool breeze and circulating air around the home. Fans are good at night when you are too hot to sleep, good for pets and young children and are also a more energy-efficient alternative to larger air conditioning systems.

Unless there is a moderate breeze coming through, it’s actually a good idea to keep your windows closed during the hottest points of the day. By leaving your windows open, you are letting humid air and sunlight into the space which will ultimately result in a warm environment. Some people opt for the curtains closed but windows open combination as this allows for any breeze to come in but the blinds/curtains will block any sun or direct heat.

Aluminium windows can contribute to keeping a house cool in the summer due to their high level of thermal insulation. Aluminium windows can be designed with thermal breaks which help to reduce heat transfer. They also welcome other benefits such as ventilation, airtightness, low maintenance, reflective coatings and adaptable window locks.

Find out more about thermal breaks in our blog on what is a thermal break in aluminium windows.

When the weather gets really warm, you may want to avoid using appliances such as ovens and gas hobs as the heat will spread throughout the home and make it feel even hotter than it already does. During the summertime, most people opt for cold dinners or take their cooking outside for a BBQ.

Ensure that your home is properly insulated and sealed to prevent warm air from leaking in and cool air from escaping. Check for gaps around windows, doors, and vents, and use the necessary tools and equipment to seal them up.

Are you ready for a new set of windows or want to get your home ready for the hot summer months?

Boasting excellent performance, not to mention improved aesthetics for your home or commercial building, we can custom make your aluminium windows in a range of shapes, sizes and colours.

ABS is based in Nottinghamshire, and we operate across the UK and Ireland in aluminium window manufacturing.

Please get in touch either by dropping us an email or giving us a call on 01623 721 172 for further help or information.