How many of us have struggled to sleep this week because we’ve been too hot and bothered? Maybe you’re finding it hard to concentrate while working from home, or your house feels stuffy no matter what you do. You’re not alone! There are simple, low‑cost ways to make things more comfortable.
Here are our top tips to help you stay cool, safe and well during hot weather. Please share these with neighbours, friends and family who may be more vulnerable in the heat. And if you have any brilliant cooling tricks of your own, we’d love to hear them! Our email is at the bottom.
Keep the heat out during the day
- Shut windows, doors, curtains and blinds while the sun is strongest. This stops heat from building up indoors.
- No curtains? Hang a sheet or blanket to block direct sunlight — it makes a bigger difference than you’d think.
Let the cool air in when temperatures drop
- When it’s cooler outside (usually early morning and late evening), open windows and doors to let fresh air flow through.
- Use fans in front of an open window or door during these cooler times — this helps draw cool air into the house.
Using fans the smart way
- When it’s hot inside (and if safe to do so), place a fan facing outwards in an open window — this pulls hot air from the room and pushes it outside.
- If pointing at you, place a frozen water bottle or bowl of ice in front of the fan to cool the air before it reaches your skin.
- Fans are low‑cost to run — around 31p for 12 hours.
Struggling to sleep? Try these cooling tricks
- Dampen your bed or your skin — as the water evaporates, it cools you down.
- Freeze flannels or face cloths and place them around your neck or under your arms for instant relief.
Reduce heat from cooking
- Avoid using ovens and hobs during hot spells — they warm the whole house.
- Try slow cookers, microwaves, airfyers or cold meals and salads until the heatwave passes.
Longer‑term: insulation helps in summer too
If you’re able to insulate your home, it doesn’t just keep you warm in winter — it also helps keep heat out in summer by slowing down the transfer of warm air indoors.
Need Support? We’re here for you
If you’re worried about keeping your home cool, struggling with energy bills or unsure what changes might help, please get in touch. We’re a trusted local Devon charity, and our trained advisors can offer free, independent guidanc, including home visits to help you make your home more energy‑efficient and comfortable.
📞 If you’re worried about staying cool this summer, get in touch, we’re here to help.
And if the heat is getting too much, you’re welcome to drop into our Exeter Drop-in session, every Thursday 10am – 3pm. We have air con and an advisor at hand!
