HOMEOWNERS have been urged to try out the “caveman method” to keep their homes cool in the hot weather.
With temperatures set to reach highs of 36C today, Brits across the nation will be doing everything they can to try to cool down.
It can be tricky to cool down in hot weather[/caption]
And although purchasing a fan or making your own air conditioner may be your first thought, one expert has revealed a hack won’t cost you a penny.
When trying to beat the heat, your first thought might be to open the doors and windows, to let air in.
However, Joseph Holman, CEO of Green Doors revealed that this is the opposite of what you should do.
Treat Your Home Like A Cave
The expert explained that when it is extremely hot, keeping windows and doors open will simply blow more hot air in to the house.
Instead, he revealed that you should think of your house as being “like a cave.”
He told Tom’s Guide: “A cave is cool in heatwaves because it is dark and doesn’t have direct sunlight or a direct entrance for the heat.
“You want to probably mimic that.”
To turn your home in to a cave, Joseph recommended keeping your doors, windows and curtains closed.
He added: “You want to reduce sunlight and stop the movement of the outside air inside; even switching off the lights will help you with that”.
The expert explained that if you have air conditioning in your home, you don’t open your windows and doors so as not to let the cold air out.
In reverse, if you aren’t running air conditioning, then if you have your windows and doors open, you are letting hot air in.
For a longer term method to turn your home into a cave, Joseph said: “If you want to protect your home from the heat longer term, I would recommend investing in tinted film for windows to reflect the heat, as well as installing integral blinds as a smart way to control the temperature in your home.
“You can install integral blinds without changing the doors and windows themselves, simply by changing the glazing units.”
He added: “They are a great space-saver and will last longer than external blinds, which can be damaged much more easily.”
How to keep cool in hot weather
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS…
Keep out of the heat if you can.
If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
Cool yourself down.
Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.
Keep your living space cool.
Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
More Budget Hacks To Keep Cool
Corey Sims at CSDB revealed that another free hack to keep you home cool is to freeze your bed sheets and pyjamas.
The expert added that you can also fill a spray bottle with water, and use it to spray your curtains, which will lower the temperature of your home.
“Dampen your curtains to cool the room,” the expert advised toasty homeowners.
“As air blows across the wet drapes, evaporating water absorbs heat and lowers the room temperature.
“The hot weather also ensures the curtains dry quickly without smelling damp.”
If you don’t have a plastic spray bottle on hand, you can pick them up from most bargain retailers.
