Keep your cool this summer

Fresh off the back of yet another heatwave, we have a few more tips to help keep your home cool this summer – this time, some recommendations for affordable energy-saving equipment that can help keep out the heat, so you can keep your cool!

1. Invest in thermal blackout curtains – shield from harsh summer sun, and keep it warmer in the winter months too.
   
   
2. Seal doors and windows with draft excluders or draught-excluding tape to keep warm air out. This will also benefit in the winter to stop warm air escaping!
   
   
3. Electric fans – cheap to run and can be used with ice to chill the air (and make your own DIY air conditioning!).
   
   
4. LED lights – incandescent and halogen bulbs produce a lot of heat, so switching to energy-saving LED lights can help cool your home and save on energy costs.
   
   
5. Reflective window film – cheap and easy to install and keep rooms cooler. Films like Gila and 3M can reduce cooling energy consumption by up to 35%, leading to significant savings during summer months.
   
   
6. Cooling mattress pads or pillow inserts – absorb body heat while sleeping.
   
   
7. Install loft insulation – keeps out the heat in summer as well as keeping homes warmer in winter.
   
   
8. Create shade in the garden – plant trees, shrubs in front of windows that take direct hits from the sun.
   
   
9. Heat reflective exterior paint – especially good on south facing walls
   
   
10. Install a cool roof - heat reflective roofing, though this might not be the best option in the UK as we don’t have year-long summers!

If you've tried a few of these already and are really struggling to keep cool in intense heat, head to your nearest cool space. Find cool spaces across London here.