How Can I Keep My Home Cool During the Summer?

by SharkClean
on 18 July 2018

Living in Northern Europe means the hot days of summer are few and far between. So far between, in fact, that investing in an air conditioning system just isn’t worth the expense for most people.

While most people love a hot, summer’s day, the same can’t be said for a hot summer’s night. Heat and humidity makes it very difficult to sleep, and quickly takes the shine out of glorious sunshine.

But you’ll be glad to know that there are several ways to keep a home cool during the warm days of summer — but they need to be implemented from first thing in the morning.


1. Close curtains and blinds at the right times

No one wants to starve their home from natural sunlight during the summer. However, there’s a balance to be struck between keeping your property cool and keeping it bright. You’ll know when the sun hits certain rooms, so make sure you close blinds and curtains at the right times — otherwise they’ll warm up like greenhouses.

2. Keep windows open

A lot of people with allergies like to keep their windows closed during the summer in order to keep out pollen, air pollutants and other harmful substances. There’s also the issue of outside dust to consider. If you have people with severe allergies in your home, it might be worth investing in standalone air conditioning units and dehumidifiers. Otherwise, keep your windows open as much as possible.

3. Use blackout curtains

This is particularly important for your bedrooms. Not only do blackout curtains stop light from flooding into your bedroom at 4am every morning, they prevent the space from gradually heating up throughout the day.

4. Make your own air conditioning system

While air conditioning units can be expensive, the premise behind them is extraordinarily simple. Basically, all you need to do is blow air over cold water. Fill a tray with ice, and place it in the corner of your room. Then place a desktop fan behind it, and switch it on. Don’t add water to your ice, as this will speed up the melting process. Do this an hour before you go to bed every day, and your bedroom will be cool and comfortable when it’s time to turn in.

5. Switch to cotton

Cotton is a cooler, more forgiving material during heatwaves, and it’s perfect for bedding. Switch to cotton sheets and pillowcases at the height of summer. Also, consider investing in a buckwheat pillow, which stays cooler for longer.

6. Prepare your bed

Many of us rely on hot water bottles to stay warm during the winter — yet there’s no reason why we can’t be doing the same during the summer. Fill a bottle with ice cold water, and place it in the middle of your bed around an hour before turning in. By the time you get into bed, your sheets will provide cool and refreshing relief from the heat.

7. Barbecue… a lot!

Cooking indoors throughout the day gradually adds to the already high temperature in your home. Wherever possible, stick to cold dishes. And if you need to cook, why not fire up the barbecue grill outside?

8. Switch to energy-saving bulbs

The main reason incandescent bulbs are so inefficient is down to the amount of heat they emit. By switching to compact fluorescent lightbulbs, you can save energy, cut your electricity bills and bring down the temperature in your home.

9. Treat your windows

There are now some very efficient window films on the market that allow light in but keep warmth out. While they’re expensive, they’re very good at regulating temperature in south-facing windows. If your budget can’t stretch to that, and you’re not allergy sufferers in your home, there is a low-tech alternative.

Open the windows in your home that receive the most light. Towards the end of the day, hang sheets drenched in cold water over the windows. This should act like a very primitive air conditioning system.

10. Focus on keeping yourself cool

If you’re struggling to regulate the temperature in your home, switch focus to yourself. For example, steeping your feet in icy cold water just before going to bed can bring your body temperature down nicely. It might also be a good idea to schedule a cold shower as part of your bedtime routine. Throughout the day, drink lots of water, and stick to clothes made with cotton.


You don’t need to invest thousands in an air conditioning system to stay cool during the summer — low-tech options are usually enough to make things bearable at home. After all, the classic British summer is a short one!

Posted in: Tips & Advice