Britain is set to bask in hot weather again in a matter of days – but people are being urged not to open their windows during this summer’s next heatwave.
It might sound counterintuitive, given that opening a window seems to be the quickest and easiest way to drop the temperature of your house.
That’s especially true given the recent heat in the UK, which has seen temperatures soar as high as 34.7C this week.
While this weekend’s weather is set to be around average for the time of year, next week weather conditions are set to hot up again, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures of 26C on Tuesday, rising to 27C on Wednesday and then a baking 29C on Thursday, July 10. The BBC is predicting it could get as hot as 33C on July 12, with a heatwave lasting at least nine days in parts of the country.
But heating experts are urging people not to be so quick to throw open windows and doors during the sizzling temperatures – as sometimes you will just be making it worse.
Heating experts at BOXT have revealed that many home cooling hacks are not actually efficient, and may be wasting you money.
Andy Kerr, founder of BOXT, says: “Getting rid of unwanted heat in your home can be difficult in the summer months, especially when most UK properties are built to retain heat. While grabbing a fan or opening up all your windows are often mentioned as effective ways to cool your home, these methods may not result in the desired results.
“To help homeowners keep cool as the warmer months approach, we have revealed which common home cooling hacks are myths and why they don’t work so you can avoid them this summer.
“When temperatures are particularly warm, opening up all your windows will let more hot air into your home, heating up your home and making you feel warmer.
“Instead of opening all your windows, it is much better to strategically open windows to create cross breezes throughout the day and open your windows during the night to let cooler air in.”
BOXT also outlined how fans don’t actually cool down your house in a heatwave.
They said: “Fans don’t cool air, they simply move it around, meaning the temperature of your room will not lower. Leaving appliances on in rooms that are not being used will also increase energy bills and cost you more in the long run.”
Andy added: “Ultimately, if you are looking for a long term, efficient solution to keeping your home cool, it is a good idea to consider installing energy-efficient windows, improving home insulation and ventilation and installing or optimising an HVAC [Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning] system. While these home improvements may be more costly initially, they will provide effective cooling for your home in the long term.”