22 Jun 2026

Keep your house cool during summer

How to keep your house cool during summer: practical tips for hot weather  

Keeping British homes cool during a heatwave can be a challenge, particularly as many UK properties are designed to retain heat rather than release it. When temperatures rise, it’s essential to feel comfortable within your own home. Fortunately, there are several practical and energy-efficient cooling methods you can use to reduce indoor temperatures without relying on air conditioning. 

From optimising air circulation to controlling sunlight and using fans effectively, these summer cooling tips can help you keep your house cool during hot weather while reducing energy consumption. 

Control the temperature of your home through the windows 

One of the most effective ways to keep your house cool during summer is to manage the amount of heat entering through your windows. Blocking out direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day can significantly reduce indoor heat gain. Keep curtains, blinds, or shutters closed on sun-facing windows to prevent rooms from overheating. 

This strategy becomes even more effective when combined with a technique known as “night flushing”. This involves reopening windows once the outdoor temperature falls below the indoor temperature, typically during the late evening, overnight, or early morning. Allowing cooler air to circulate through your home can help lower the indoor temperature naturally and prepare your home for the following day. 

Another useful cooling strategy is cross ventilation. Cross ventilation is produced by opening windows on opposite sides of a room or property to create a through-draft. This encourages hot, stagnant air to escape while drawing in cooler, fresh air from outside. It’s one of the simplest and most effective natural cooling methods 

Minimise indoor heat production 

Reducing the amount of heat generated inside your home can make a noticeable difference during a heatwave. Everyday household activities can contribute to rising indoor temperatures, especially cooking and the use of electronic devices. 

During particularly hot weather, consider preparing cold meals or using appliances such as microwaves or slow cookers instead of running the oven or hob for extended periods. This can help keep your kitchen cool and prevent excess heat from spreading throughout the house. 

It’s also worth switching off electronics such as televisions, gaming consoles, computers, and chargers when they’re not in use. These devices generate heat even when on standby, contributing to unnecessary indoor warming. 

Use your fan properly 

Fans can be an excellent way to improve air circulation and keep your home comfortable during hot weather but positioning them correctly is key. 

If the air outside is cooler than the air indoors, place a fan near an open window so it blows fresh air into the room. This helps draw cooler outdoor air into your living space. 

On exceptionally hot days, when the outdoor temperature exceeds the indoor temperature, angle the fan towards an open window instead. This helps push warm air out of the house, improving ventilation and reducing heat build-up. 

If you don’t have a portable fan, don’t forget about your kitchen extractor fan and bathroom exhaust fan. These systems are designed to remove warm, humid air and can help improve airflow throughout your home. 

Choose a room to keep cool in your home 

During a heatwave, it can be helpful to designate one room as a cool retreat. Choose the coolest area of your home, ideally a north-facing room or a room that receives minimal direct sunlight. Keep blinds or curtains closed throughout the day and use fans or ventilation techniques to maintain a comfortable temperature. 

By combining these practical home cooling tips, you can keep your house cool during summer, improve indoor comfort, and stay safe during periods of hot weather without relying heavily on air conditioning. 

Designed for comfort all year round

While these tips can help keep your home comfortable during periods of hot weather, modern homes are also designed to support energy efficiency and year-round comfort. At Redcliffe Homes, our properties are built using high-quality materials and insulation that help regulate indoor temperatures, helping homes stay warmer in winter and more comfortable during the summer months.

Combined with energy-efficient features and thoughtfully designed layouts, our homes are created to help homeowners enjoy a more comfortable living environment while keeping energy use and running costs to a minimum.

If you’re looking for a new home that combines modern design, energy efficiency and desirable South West locations, explore our latest developments or speak to our team to find out more about life in a Redcliffe Home.

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