Cooler Homes: practical ways to beat the heat that make home warmer in winter too

As summers become hotter, keeping our homes comfortable and safe is an increasingly important part of adapting to climate change. The recent Green Vale Cooler Homes event brought local people together with experts to explore straightforward, affordable ways to reduce overheating, drawing on practical guidance from various speakers from The Centre for Sustainable Energy, Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon and others.

From shading windows before sunlight reaches the glass to changing when we open the windows, the discussion showed that small choices can make a noticeable difference. The emphasis was not on a single expensive solution, but on combining measures that suit each home, household and budget.

Shade the UK is an organisation working to help people and places become more resilient to extreme heat. Their website is worth a visit.

Why cooler homes matter

UK homes were not designed for prolonged periods of high heat. Shade the UK highlights the growing risks that overheating poses to health and wellbeing, particularly for people who are more vulnerable. Its Overheating Adaptation Guide for Homes sets out dozens of measures for owners and renters, covering external and internal shade, passive cooling, ventilation and the reduction of heat generated inside the home.

Start by keeping the sun out

Stopping solar heat before it enters a room is more effective than trying to cool it afterwards. External shutters, awnings, light-coloured fabric and well-positioned plants can shade windows and walls. Even a securely fixed sheet or towel outside an unshaded window can provide temporary relief. Inside, close curtains or blinds before direct sunlight reaches the glass. Light-coloured or reflective materials help to reduce heat gain, provided they are suitable for the surface and installed safely.

Look above: roofs and lofts

Roofs, especially tiled and flat roofs, can absorb substantial heat. Suitable reflective or water-based thermal coatings may reduce heat absorption, while insulating or lining a loft will slow heat transfer into rooms below. Products and installation methods vary, so check that any material is appropriate for the roof construction, ventilation and fire-safety requirements before use.

Cut heat generated indoors

Appliances and lighting add heat as well as using energy. So, avoid heat-producing activities like cooking or washing dishes or clothes during the hottest part of the day where possible. Switch devices fully off rather than leaving them on standby, and choose LED lighting. Check whether a hot-water cylinder is set higher than needed and make sure it is well insulated; seek professional advice before changing unfamiliar controls. On very hot days, close off rooms that are difficult to keep cool and spend time in the coolest part of the home, or in a cooler public or community space.

Ventilate at the right time

Opening windows is helpful only when the outside air is cooler than the air inside. During the hottest part of the day, keep windows closed and shaded if outdoor temperatures are higher. A thermometer placed outside in the shade can help you judge the right moment. When the temperature drops in the evening or early morning, open windows and internal doors to purge trapped heat and create cross-ventilation. Where it is safe to do so, an open loft hatch may help warm air rise out of occupied rooms.

Use fans and cool your body

Fans can improve comfort by moving air across the skin, although they do not lower the room temperature. A cool pack placed safely in front of a fan will make the airflow feel cooler; keep moisture away from electrical equipment. Shade the UK also recommends staying hydrated, wearing loose, light-coloured clothing and using a lukewarm shower, a cool compress or a wet cloth to help the body lose heat. Avoid very cold water, which can reduce blood flow to the skin and trap heat.

A layered approach

The clearest message from the event was to combine actions: block sunlight, reduce heat generated indoors, ventilate when the air outside is cooler, and use simple measures to keep people comfortable. The best mix will depend on the building, but every household can start with low-cost changes and build from there.

For more practical guidance, visit Great Green Bedwyn and explore Shade the UK's Overheating Adaptation Guide for Homes and extreme heat advice.

The same ideas work in reverse in winter: see keeping warm in winter.