As the UK prepares itself for unusually high temperatures, people across the country are searching high and low for tips and tricks on keeping their homes cool. The heat could hit a record-breaking 40C on Monday and Tuesday in some places, according to forecasters at the Met Office, while Newcastle upon Tyne and the rest of the North East is looking likely to see climates in excess of 30C.
After the first red warning for extreme heat was issued by weather officials, Met Office chief executive Penny Endersby urged that people take care and listen to the agency's advice. She said: "Please treat the warnings we are putting out as seriously as you would a red or amber warning from us for wind or snow and follow the advice."
In turn, Brits are being advised to stay hydrated, check up on the most vulnerable, stay in the shade during peak hours, and do all that they can to keep their houses cool. While some may be cranking up fans, air conditioners and paddling pools to cool off - others are opting for a cheaper means of doing so due to the cost of living crisis, the Manchester Evening News reports.
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Simple changes to your home such as using foil on the windows or opting for lightweight cotton bedding could help make a huge difference. But when it comes to windows, should they be open or closed during the tirade of heat?
Although it may seem wise to open them up to allow for a brisk breeze, experts have told that it may be better to leave them shut while the sun is shining. Chris Nye, overseas property expert at Your Overseas Home argues that windows should be kept closed in very hot weather.
"It might seem counterintuitive, but if the air outside is hotter than the air in your home, keeping your windows closed could help your home stay a little cooler," he explained. You can also keep your blinds and curtains closed during the day to help allow to keep your home cool.
Chris added: "Much of the sunlight that enters your home through the windows turns into heat, so it’s a good idea to keep your curtains and blinds closed, at least during the hottest times of the day. You may even want to opt for blackout curtains to keep windows covered and block the sunlight out completely."
Hay fever sufferers should also keep their windows firmly closed to avoid allowing pollen in to the home, which in-turn will help alleviate symptoms of the annoying condition. But as night time rolls around, if it's slightly cooler, it's best to have your windows open.
Dr Lindsay Browning, psychologist and sleep expert at luxury bed and mattress retailer And So To Bed , says a cool breeze through your bedroom could help you get to sleep in the sticky conditions. She explained: "Generally, when it is really hot outside it is a good idea to keep windows closed during the daytime, as you don’t want the hot external air to come into the house warming it up.
"However, after the sun goes down, the outside air will start to cool down. At this point, it is a great idea to open the windows to let in a breeze of cool external air into the bedroom, helping cool the room and to provide needed air circulation."
So there you have it. In very hot temperatures, you may find your house stays cooler with the windows firmly closed.
An indoor thermometer can help you determine whether your home is cooler or warmer than the temperature outside. But if temperatures do soar to the high 30s, as predicted, you will probably find that your home is one of the cooler places to be - so best to try and keep it that way.
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