How to keep your home cool during a heatwave - 3 easy tips that won't break the bank

The UK has been hit with what feels like heatwave after heatwave in recent weeks, with temperatures above 33 °C in parts of the country.

Summers this hot are on track to become the UK norm by 2050, with experts warning that future heatwaves could reach 46 °C – a far cry from the breezy summers many of us remember. For most of us, it can be a struggle to stay cool whether that's trying to sleep at night or trying to escape the heat during the day.

Unfortunately, most UK homes are built to retain heat through the winter, but in summer, that warmth gets trapped well into the evening. This can make rooms feel uncomfortably hot, especially for older adults, whose bodies find it harder to regulate temperature and are more prone to dehydration.

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The good news? You don’t need to make drastic changes. Just a few smart, budget-friendly tweaks can help keep your home cooler and comfortable.

Try this airflow trick

Most fans don’t cool air – they help your body cool itself by moving air across your skin. But here’s a trick that works: place a fan in a window, facing outwards, in the early morning or evening when the air outside is cooler. This pushes warm air out. Then open a window on the opposite side of the house to create cross-ventilation.

Top tip: Only do this when the outside air is cooler than indoors – usually before 9am or after sunset. During the heat of the day, keep windows and blinds shut to block hot air.

No matter what your budget there are plenty of brilliant fans out there - you can find fans from £27.99 on Yimbly.com. For example, you can snap up the Livivo 32" Tower Fan from £34.99 which boasts plenty of features including three power settings, and a remote with timer function for up to two hours.

Consider swapping your bedding

Swap out heavy duvets for a light 4.5 tog or just a flat cotton sheet. Natural fabrics like cotton or linen breathe better and help your body stay cool through the night. (This HOMESCAPES Goose Feather And Down 4.5 Tog Summer Duvet for example starts from £38.99 and ticks all of the boxes).

Some people swear by chilling a hot water bottle in the freezer and placing it near their feet for instant relief. And don’t forget to keep curtains closed during the day to block out the sun, then open windows safely in the evening to let cooler air in.

Keep kitchens and bodies cool

It may sound obvious, but avoid adding extra heat to your home. Ovens and hobs give off a surprising amount of warmth, so opt for no-cook meals like salads, cold pasta or chilled soups. Try to save chores like laundry and washing up for the cooler hours of the morning or evening.

Hydration is also vital. Older adults may not feel thirst as strongly, so sip water often. Keep a jug in the fridge and add lemon, cucumber or mint for a refreshing boost.

Figures and guidance sourced from the Met Office, UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency) and ONS (Office for National Statistics).