Keep your home cool in rising temperatures

While keeping warm in the winter often gets the most attention, overheating in summer is becoming an increasingly important consideration across the UK. Heatwaves are expected to become longer and more intense in the years ahead, and many Plymouth homes are not designed to cope with prolonged periods of high temperatures. 

A home that stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter is not only more comfortable to live in - it can also reduce energy bills, improve wellbeing, increase property value and give you greater control over how your home performs year-round. 

By making some simple changes to your habits and investing in measures to control the temperature of your home, you can ensure your home remains cool and comfortable. 

Certain types of homes are particularly vulnerable to overheating, including:   

• Modern flats and new builds - highly insulated homes may trap heat inside if not carefully planned alongside ventilation measures.
• Homes with large South, West or East facing windows – if these windows do not have shade from the sun (e.g. blinds or shutters), they can let a lot of heat in.
• Homes with lots of glazing without adequate ventilation – heat can become trapped inside the home.
• Top floor flats with less shade – heat naturally rises through the building to the top floor, where it can become trapped. 

However, most homes can benefit from some simple changes to keep them cool and comfortable.

The good news is that overheating can often be improved through thoughtful retrofit measures and smarter home design. As our climate changes, creating a home that stays comfortable year-round is becoming an increasingly important part of future proofing your property.

Many people immediately think of air conditioning as a solution when temperatures rise. While it can provide short-term relief, it also increases electricity use and can add significantly to summer energy bills. 

Instead, a combination of smarter habits, practical upgrades and energy-efficient improvements can help you maintain a more stable indoor temperature naturally - reducing reliance on expensive cooling systems and giving you more control over your energy use. 

Homes that maintain a comfortable temperature more efficiently are also increasingly attractive to buyers and tenants, making energy efficiency improvements an investment in your property as well as your comfort. 

Simple changes to everyday habits cost you little or nothing, but can make a big difference:   

• Open windows/doors only when it's colder outside than it is inside (usually first thing in the morning and late at night), close them when the temperature rises. Where possible, open windows on opposite sides of the house (e.g. an upstairs front window and a downstairs rear window) to improve ventilation.   
• Keep curtains/blinds/shutters closed during the day to block out direct sunlight.
• Use fans strategically - they are far cheaper to run than air conditioning. Fans are only effective at cooling when blowing air directly onto you - if they are just circulating warm air around the room, they will have little effect.   Try placing a bowl of ice or a damp cloth in front of a fan to boost the cooling effect.
• Switch off unnecessary lights/appliances as these all give off heat. 

There are also several affordable upgrades that can improve comfort and help future-proof your home: 

• Installing loft insulation keeps your home cool by reducing the amount of heat entering through the roof.
• Fitting reflective window film or insulated black out curtains.
• Fitting reflective or thermal blinds.
• Adding trickle vents to windows to allow better airflow and ventilation.

For homeowners planning larger improvements, additional measures can offer year-round benefits: 

• External shading such as shutters or awnings.
• Mechanical extraction ventilation, which improves indoor air quality and controls moisture levels.
• Cavity wall insulation helps to keep internal temperatures stable.
• External wall insulation with light coloured render reflects sunlight and adds thermal protection. 

These improvements not only support comfort and lower running costs but can also improve a home’s energy performance and long-term value.

It is also prudent to consider your external spaces - there are additional steps that will contribute to reducing the temperature in your home, as well as boosting the aesthetic appeal: 

• Create shade outside the home by planting trees and shrubs for natural shade, particularly to the South and West of your home where they will block the strongest of the afternoon sun.
• Use light coloured materials for patios, paving and walls-these reflect rather than absorb heat.
• Avoid artificial grass and dark surfaces, which can reach dangerously high temperatures in direct sun.
• Consider installing a water feature. Water has a natural cooling effect through evaporation; even a small pond can lower surrounding air temperatures (consider the safety of children and pets). 

Improving your home’s comfort and energy performance is about more than reducing bills today - it’s about creating a healthier, more resilient home that works better for you in the future. 

If you’re thinking about future-proofing your home, we can help you understand the options available and find the right solutions for your property. 

Complete the contact form below and we’ll help you understand your options clearly, so you can take the next step with confidence.   

If you want to learn more about our Future Fit services, check our page here.