Although some of us love the current scorching temperatures and sunny weather, it can lead to a build up of heat and humidity in our homes making them rather uncomfortable, especially if you are working or trying to get a decent night’s sleep.

So here are a few practical ways to cool down you and your living spaces….

1. Don’t open windows

It may feel counter intuitive but opening windows – and external doors – when it’s so hot outside will only let hot air in and won’t actually cool your home. Instead, close them during the day when the strength of the sun is at its peak and open at night when the air is cooler, thus making the room feel more comfortable.

2. Close curtains and blinds

One of the most effective free ways to lower the temperature in a room is to block the sun’s heat before it gets through your windows. Close curtains, blinds or shutters during the day and think about putting tin foil on the inside of the windows to reflect the sun’s rays.

3. Look outside

Installing awnings, pergolas or even planting trees with big canopies can all help reduce the sun’s heat from reaching and coming through the windows. Even a garden parasol strategically placed will help.

4. Fans

Invest in a fan or two. Although they don’t actually cool the air, rather they create air movement helping sweat evaporate from your skin, they will help make you feel less hot. They are also not hugely expensive to run. You can also place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to help bring the temperature down further.

5. Air conditioning units

Although more effective at cooling an inside area than a fan, air conditioning units are more expensive to run. As they use more energy and produce more CO2 emissions they are also therefore not the most environmentally friendly option and may also require planning permission unless you decide on a portable unit. However, if you do decide to invest, do your homework to make sure you choose the right one for the room it will be in. For portable versions, make sure there are no gaps where the pipe goes out of the window and keep all doors and windows closed when it’s running. Finally, when it’s not in use, remember to unplug it! This will help reduce your energy consumption.

6. Keep your gadgets cool

No, we don’t mean choosing the latest brands, but actually making sure any electronics don’t get too hot. Laptops and mobiles can overheat in intense hot weather as can their lithium batteries which poses a fire risk. Don’t charge them overnight and turn them off when you feel they are getting too hot to handle.

7. If you can’t stand the heat

Talking of appliances, many, such as dishwashers, ovens and hobs, generate significant amounts of heat and humidity in a kitchen. Consider using the oven and/or hob either early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s less hot. When not in use, turn them off as not only will it reduce the heat inside, it will also lower your energy consumption leading to, hopefully, lower bills.

8. Extractor fan

Don’t forget to use your extractor fans in the kitchen and bathrooms. Designed to remove hot and humid air, they should be left on for a little while after you’ve had a shower or used the hob to remove all the excess moisture and heat in the room.

9. Improve your home’s insulation

Although this might seem counterintuitive, good insulation works by keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Insulation, whether in the loft, the walls or the seals around doors and windows, can help make a significant difference to the temperature in the room. Even upgrading single glazed windows to double glazed can help. Although there will be an immediate cost, it will help reduce your energy bills all year round thus also saving you money in the long term.

10. Hydration

Finally, don’t forget to drink plenty of water during the hot weather. Stay inside or in the shade and avoid strenuous activity during the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest. Don’t forget the sunscreen, a hat and some sunglasses if you are out and about.