As the UK braces for temperatures set to soar beyond 32°C this weekend, householders are being urged to take one simple step to beat the heat. Experts recommend switching off the lights.
While the advice may seem surprising, experts say switching off household lights, even at night, can help reduce indoor temperatures and prevent homes from becoming stiflingly warm. According to Andy Simms, property expert at MyBuilder.com, this small change can have a noticeable impact, especially for homes still using traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs.
“Certain lightbulbs generate quite a bit of heat,” Simms explained.
“It might not seem like much, but in an already hot house, every degree counts. LED bulbs are far more efficient and emit less heat, yet a 2021 report found only 14% of households are using them.”
With many UK homes poorly adapted for extreme temperatures, most being designed to retain heat rather than repel it, keeping interiors cool has become a growing challenge during increasingly frequent heatwaves.
Simms and other experts are offering practical advice to help households cope with rising temperatures.
“Switching off unnecessary appliances, keeping blinds drawn during the day, and closing windows when it’s warmer outside than in can all help,” said Simms.
“Even something as simple as opening your loft hatch can help hot air escape upwards and create a cooler indoor atmosphere.”
Homeowners are also being encouraged to consider long-term measures such as insulation upgrades, solar films for windows, and even building pergolas for shaded outdoor areas
However, for immediate relief, reducing indoor heat sources such as lightbulbs and appliances is key.
“Heat from lights may seem negligible, but in a stuffy room, it matters,” Simms said. “And keeping lights off can have the added bonus of reducing insect invasions on summer evenings.”
He also recommends placing reflective solar film on windows, changing to light-coloured curtains, or even opening your loft hatch to allow hot air to rise and escape. “Think of it as creating a natural ventilation chimney,” said Simms.
For those with a bit more budget, options like ceiling fans, portable air conditioning units, or even building shade-creating pergolas outdoors can offer longer-term relief.
As the UK continues to experience record-breaking heat events, householders are increasingly looking for low-cost, low-effort solutions to keep cool. Turning off the lights could be the easiest first step.