Yahoo News 'I discovered a window hack to keep my house cool in warm weather - it's so easy'
The UK was blessed with a heatwave last week, bringing with it long, sunny days that unfortunately turned into humid nights. As a woman of a certain age, I'm no stranger to feeling uncomfortably warm on these balmy summer evenings, and I'm sure I'm not alone in my struggle to find sleep amidst the stuffiness.
In the early hours of one particularly hot night, I decided to open some windows in an attempt to cool down - a decision that ended up being a game-changer.
Now, I realise that opening a window on a hot day might seem like an obvious solution, but hear me out. It's not just about opening any window but choosing the right ones to transform a stuffy bedroom into a comfortable sleeping space.
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Despite the instinct to let fresh air in when it's hot, I've always been aware that letting in the warmer outside air could actually make the house feel hotter. So, I've typically kept my windows shut and curtains drawn when the temperature rises.
However, during one restless night, I found myself wandering down to the kitchen. With my children away, their bedrooms were quiet and dark. I peered into each room, hoping to find one cooler than my own.
Without a second thought, I flung open the windows in both the front and back bedrooms, inadvertently creating a refreshing corridor of cool air that almost instantly lowered the temperature throughout the house.
It's such a simple solution, yet it had never crossed my mind. By opening windows on opposite sides of the house, I'd facilitated an airflow that released all the trapped warm air and allowed the cooler late-night air to rush in.
Moving air is cooler than still air, so I was able to create a bit of a breeze and allow the air to circulate better. I could have taken my makeshift air-con solution one step further by hanging a damp sheet in front of the open window to make the breeze feel even cooler.
The temperature is set to drop a few degrees this week, but given how unpredictable British weather can be, there could be a heatwave just around the corner. For fellow sweaty sleepers, or anyone who simply prefers to stay cool under the sheets, here are some additional ways to stay comfortable on a hot night:.
Close blinds and curtains
Keep your blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to block out the sun and prevent indoor temperatures from rising.
Cool with water
If you have a fan, place a bowl of ice water in front of it to blow cooler air around the room.
Minimise heat from appliances
Avoid using ovens, stoves, and other heat-generating appliances during the day. Opt for microwave meals, salads, or use an outdoor grill instead.
Choose cooling bedding
Consider using lightweight, breathable cotton sheets. You might even want to place pillowcases or bed sheets in the freezer for a few minutes before bed.
Taking a cool shower before bed
This can help to lower your body temperature, making it easier to fall asleep.
Staying hydrated
Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Close off unused rooms
By shutting doors, you can prevent cool air from escaping into areas you don't need to cool.
