Six ways to keep your home and yourself cool in hot weather

Six ways to keep your home and yourself cool in hot weatherImage source, Getty ImagesByEsme Stallard, Climate and science reporter and Visual Journalism Team, BBC NewsPublished18 July 2022Updated 22 June 2026When temperatures soar, there are a number of simple things you can do to help keep your home and yourself cool. Here are six practical tips from experts. 1. Let in cool air and encourage air flowOpen windows on opposite sides of the house to encourage air flow - releasing trapped warm air and allowing in cooler air.Do this when the air temperature outside is cooler than inside, which tends to be overnight or in the early part of the day.In flats which have windows on one side only, open doors and use a fan to encourage airflow.Hot air rises within houses, so if you have loft vents or windows you can open them to release some of the heat.The hot air can otherwise get trapped on the second floor, where you may be trying to sleep. Extra insulation can also help keep heat out in the summer, as well as reducing your energy bills and usage in the winter.When is it too hot to walk your dog?Published20 hours agoHow to sleep in the heatPublished22 hours agoWhat is humidity and why does it make us feel so uncomfortable?AttributionWeatherPublished11 June 2025Heatwaves: The New Normal?How hot is too hot? From heat labs to firefighting helicopter pilots and wineries, we look at how extreme heat impacts people and environments in the UK. Watch on iPlayer2. Keep warmer air out during the dayIn the heat of the day it is best to keep your windows shut and blinds or curtains closed - especially on the side of your home where the sun is shining.3. Use a fan to enhance the breezeFans are a relatively cheap and energy efficient way to keep air moving and can help you stay cool.Using a freestanding fan for a 24-hour period typically costs between 15p and 31p, according to the latest guidance from the Energy Saving Trust, external.Putting the fan in front of an open window can encour...