It’s not really a secret that UK summers are getting hotter and lasting longer. While sure, you need to do what you can to prepare your home for winter (since winters in the UK are getting more brutal), you still can’t forget about that summer heat! Each year seems to bring new record highs, with temperatures stretching well into autumn, transforming what was once a reliably cool season into an extension of summer.
Again, you need to remember that heatwaves are more intense, and homes are struggling to keep up with the extended warm weather. So that’s why it really can’t be stressed enough to look into adapting to these changes.
Honestly, it isn’t just about comfort, but overall, it’s about preparing a home to manage to evolve to this climate. So, with all of that said, here’s how to make a house a little more resilient when those really hot summer days peak its head in.
Upgrade Insulation to Keep Cool Air In
While sure, insulation may be something most people associate with winter, but it’s equally valuable in summer. But here’s the thing: effective insulation keeps the cool air indoors and blocks out the outdoor heat, creating a comfortable indoor climate without overusing fans or air conditioning. A lot of people just don’t really seem to realise that. But if you live in older homes, then it might be time to replace your insulation (since it needs to be replaced every 15 to 30 years).
Ventilation is More Important Than You May Realise
But you can just open a window, right? Well, that cross-section of air does help, absolutely. But on those super hot days, especially when there’s no wind, is it really going to be that helpful? Overall, you need circulation in your home, no matter how small your space is. It’s usually recommended to get an air conditioner since this cools off your space, but at the same time, no pollutants come into your home (due to its air vent)- something that windows can’t do.
Plus, it’s about reducing the humidity, which ACs can do. Sure, this sounds like a major luxury, and sure, it doesn’t sound all too eco-friendly either, but newer models are safe for the environment.
Consider Eco-Friendly Cooling Solutions
Alright, so AC was mentioned as a great way to circulate more ventilation in your home, but realistically speaking, air conditioning isn’t always common in the UK, but with heatwaves on the rise, it’s becoming more practical. But is it sustainable? Well, newer models are, but they are expensive, and it’s still questionable how effective they are.
So, if you want to be certain you’re lowering your energy bill and keeping cool when it’s hot (and vice versa in the winter), then you might want to look into All Seasons Energy and the eco-conscious technology they offer. Specifically, they focus on renewable energy to power cooling systems, so you’re pretty much getting the best of both worlds.
Install Shading Solutions to Block Out the Sun
You know how a lot of people will look into thick curtains to cover their windows, and even their front (and back) doors to help seal any potential gaps of air that might come in during the winter? Well, you know, you should be doing this in the summer too.
Just generally speaking, extended summers mean prolonged sun exposure, and without proper shading, indoor spaces can turn stifling. Basically, longer summer days mean more sun that’s hitting the windows, and it means more hot air that’s seeping into your house. Plus, those UV rays can destroy your wood and furnishings, too.
