Hot weather can be lovely, but sometimes it can feel even hotter inside than outside and this can be uncomfortable and it can also affect your health. Older people, young children and anyone with health problems are more at risk and too much heat in your home can make existing conditions worse and disturb your sleep.
Get your home ready for warm weather
We often get a bit of warning before a heatwave, so it helps to fit blinds to block out the sun or external shading such as shutters, awnings or a Brise Soleil, like the examples seen here, //alusystems.uk/brise-soleil-solar-shading/ can be even more effective because they stop the sun before it reaches the window. If you have a ventilation system, make sure it’s working properly and set to summer mode if possible.
Check that your fridge, freezer and fans are working by making sure food stays cold and frozen and look at medicine labels to see how they should be stored in hot weather. If you’re improving your home, ask about ways to reduce overheating as well as keeping heat in during winter.
What to do during hot weather
When it’s very hot, keep curtains or blinds closed on sunny windows during the day. Open windows when it feels cooler outside, usually at night, to let fresh air flow through and switch off lights and electrical items you’re not using, as they create extra heat. Try to cook earlier in the day when it’s cooler. If one part of your home feels cooler, move there to rest or sleep.