Keeping A Lid on Rising Temperatures in the Summer Months

With Spring already in full swing, many are turning to the arrival of those glorious summer months where jackets are shed and sunglasses become a necessity. However, with temperatures last year surging past 34°C in parts of the UK, many struggled to keep their homes cool. Below are a series of tips for making sure your student digs remain a refuge from this year’s expected high temperatures.

Keep the Sun at Bay

Most health professionals will advise avoiding too much sun exposure between the hours of 11am to 3pm when outside. But if you want to prevent stifling temperatures from creeping into your home, this advice also applies here. Keep your curtains or blinds closed during daylight hours, particularly during the hottest periods.

While opening a window might seem like the most logical antidote to a sweltering house, this will only make matters worse if the temperature outside exceeds that indoors. A good opportunity for opening your windows are the cooler early mornings and evenings, which can provide some short-term relief for a stuffy house.

Turn It Off

Certain household appliances can turn up the heat – and cost you cash – during heatwaves or warmer periods. Ovens, cookers, washing machines, and dishwashers all emit heat during (and in some cases after) use. Even leaving them plugged into the socket wall can have an adverse effect on the house temperature, so avoid using them during the warmer periods of the day and unplug them if they aren’t in use.

To avoid relying on your oven or cooker, try making cold foods such as sandwiches and salads; if you’re already feeling the heat, hot food may not seem like the best option anyway.

No Flow? No Problem

Excessive household temperatures often occur due to a lack of airflow, particularly if there aren’t many windows or the existing windows are mostly on one side of the house.

This is where fans can be a lifesaver, as a cheap and energy-efficient way of staying cool. If the air is cooler outside, placing a fan in front of your window allows it to blow through your room, which can decrease your body temperature. If it is too warm outside and you can’t open a window, try placing ice cubes in front of the fan to circulate cooler air. Adding a second fan to create a cross-current can also be a help.

However, be wary if the temperature exceeds 35C. Using a fan under this condition is akin to blowing hot air in your face and can actually increase your body temperature.

If you’re experiencing issues relating to airflow or insulation, loc8me’s friendly and efficient maintenance team are on hand for maintenance and emergency repairs. Simply click ‘Book maintenance’ at the top of loc8me’s home page to get started.

Re-jig Your Sleeping Arrangements:

Getting a decent night’s sleep after a scorching hot day can be tricky and a source of frustration during the stress-heavy exam period. Investing in thinner sheets made of linen or cotton can increase both breathability and comfort, while loose-fitting pyjamas will reduce the likelihood of excess sweating during the night.

A cooling mattress topper, which is designed to be breathable and regulate body temperature, can be a massive help when it comes to surviving the summer and is a much cheaper alternative to replacing the entire mattress.

Despite the discomfort higher temperatures can bring, most of us still look forward to the hotter months. Putting this advice into practice will ensure a more comfortable house experience and an even better summer.