Britons urged to ‘put plants in front of the door’ this weekend
Britain is set to be hit with a mini heatwave this weekend as the UK capital and a few other cities are put on a 66-hour heat alert.
According to weather apps WXCharts and Netweather, they are forecasting temperatures to reach into their thirties. So, if you struggle in the heat like us, let’s take a look at how you can keep cool in the warmer weather.
Even better without cranking up your electric bills as one expert Stephen Day, an operations manager at iHeat has shared his tips for keeping cool without breaking the bank.
Day said: “Whether it’s turning on your AC or having to have a fan on all day, trying to beat the heat means your wallet can often take a hit.
“However, keeping your cool doesn’t have to break the bank, and can even be free.”
Freeze water in a hot water bottle
A cheap way to cool down at night is by using a hot water bottle just make sure you don’t fill it with hot water. Instead, fill it halfway with cool water before popping it in the freezer.
Day explained: “When you go to bed, simply take it out of the freezer, wrap it in a towel and place it in bed next to you.
“This neat trick will help lower your body temperature and keep you cool throughout the night, helping you get a good night’s sleep.”
Put plants in windows
If you have them, pop large plants in sunny windows or in front of doors.
Day advised: “Not only will they thrive in the sunlight, but they’ll provide some natural shade by blocking and absorbing some of the heat entering your home.”
Create a cross-breeze
You can maximise natural ventilation by opening windows or doors on opposite sides of your home.
The pro said: “This creates a natural cross breeze, which can help to significantly lower the temperature inside your home without needing to pop on a fan.
“For the best results, you’ll want to do this during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to bring in fresh, cool air.”
Turn off your gadgets
Electronic gadgets like your TV or game consoles will generate heat, even when they’re not in use.
So, to keep your “home cooler” and “reduce your energy usage”, turn off and unplug any devices that are not in use. It might seem small, but it can make a world of difference.
Close curtains and blinds
A very easy way to keep your home cool is by closing curtains and blinds, especially on windows facing the sun during peak hours.
This will help reduce the amount of heat entering your home, making it easier to keep your home at a “comfortable temperature”.
Switch to lightweight bedding
At night, opt for lightweight cotton or silk sheets. Day said: “These materials are more breathable and less likely to trap heat compared to synthetic blends like polyester, helping you stay cooler and more comfortable as you sleep.”
