The Great 'Ways to keep cool' Hunt

Anthorn

saskay wrote: »

Hello! In my flat I have floor to ceiling windows which face west and this causes a big issue with heating up my flat in summer where I get sunlight from about 1pm till 8pm. My living room becomes incredibly hot and the building developers have said not to put up black out curtains as some of the flats had their window glass crack because of temperature differences.

I was wondering if there is a company/solution (I’m in London) which can put tinted sheet on the windows from the outside (balcony access) or what the best way forward would be. Currently have a portable AC with a vent that’s goes out into the balcony but at best it keeps the flat around 27 degrees which is still too hot for my dog. Ideally I would like to hear about suggestion s to make my flat cool. Thanks.

I keep my flat cool but I don't know how. It was apparent during the heatwave and I found that my flat was cooler inside than the temperature outside. I live in a first floor flat in a block of 4 flats.

My lounge window is large but not floor to ceiling and faces South so my lounge get sunshine for most of the day. On the window I have vertical blinds and curtains both of which are open most of the time except when we have cold weather. All my windows are triple glazed, I have loft insulation but not cavity wall insulation because it was advised that cavity wall insulation could cause a condensation problem due to the walls not breathing. Carpets with rubber underlay throughout and a parrot flying around.

So what can you make of the above?

Nick_C

Reckon its the low energy fan you mentioned at the end

coffeehound

Farway wrote: »

Sun canopy on outside? Depends on your situation regarding wind, safety etc, but just a thought

Yes the ideal would be something to block sunlight before it hits the windows. There must be companies who fit blinds to the outside of windows. Failing that, turkey foil and gecko tape works at a pinch

Norman_Castle

I've got a wide slat blind on my living room window which is normally adjusted to allow as much light as possible but through last summer I adjusted it to keep the sunlight out which made a noticeable difference to the room temperature.

MSE_Laura_F

The UK's set to have its hottest day on record. In preparation, we've reawakened this bumper thread and merged it with some similar ones.

To add to the ingenious tips above, here are a few more ideas for keeping cool the MoneySaving way:

🪭💦🧢

• Put your bedding in the freezer. Encasing it in a bin bag first may be best, cleanliness-wise.
• When heading outside, wear sun cream with an SPF of 30 to 50. Downshift to non-branded and save, with sun cream from £2.79, without giving up 5-star UVA protection.
• Get Calippo-esque silicone ice lolly moulds. In the past we've seen them for £2.49 for four.
• Do you have a right to free water in restaurants? The rules are more confusing than you might think. See MSE's Tap water rights guide.
• Each year, scores of trains are cancelled/delayed due to heat. If it happens to you, know how to claim. See MSE's Train delays guide for each company's policy.
• WFH? We've seen mini desk fans from £3 and large pedestal fans from £20ish.
• Remember, some people are more seriously affected by the heat. Look out for neighbours, family and friends. Visit the NHS website for more.

Primrose

coffeehound said:

Farway wrote: »

Sun canopy on outside? Depends on your situation regarding wind, safety etc, but just a thought

Yes the ideal would be something to block sunlight before it hits the windows. There must be companies who fit blinds to the outside of windows. Failing that, turkey foil and gecko tape works at a pinch

We fitted a roll out veranda awning over our patio door a few years also. It reduces the temperature in our living room by at least 10 degrees and keeps the temperature at a bearable level. One of the best home improvement purchases we,ve mad.

Rosa_Damascena

I'm not going to moan about the heat, in 8 weeks time it will be a dim and distant memory! Its much easier (and cheaper) to cool down in this heat than it is to keep warm in the winter.