If the past few days have taught us anything, it is that as a country we don’t know how to deal with a heatwave. Not surprising really, as we spend most of our days trying to keep warm and dry.
But with climate change beginning to take its toll, the kind of hot weather we have endured recently could happen more frequently in future.
In Wales, our homes are generally designed for warmth, so what can we do in hot weather to keep them cool? For example, do we open our windows or keep them closed when we get exceptional heat?
Read more: Extreme heat latest updates as Wales sees highest-ever temperature on record
Chris Nye, overseas property expert at Your Overseas Home told the Manchester Evening News 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.
Keeping your blinds and curtains closed during the day could also help to keep your house cool. Chris said: "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."
So, experts agree that windows should be opened at the coolest times of the day (night time, early morning and late evening) and closed in the middle of the day. Air circulation is the key, so when it becomes cooler outside than it is in the house, when you open the windows a cooling breeze will develop.
Meanwhile, putting foil on your windows is the latest heatwave hack on TikTok. For years, motorists have used a similar technique for their windscreens when parking their cars in hot weather.
This hack can help you limit the amount of sunlight that gets into your home. Simply roll out some kitchen foil and apply it to your windows to block out direct sunlight.
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