Keeping homes cool in hot weather

Stock image of a thermometer showing high temperature under a bright sunny sky by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay.

As heatwaves become more frequent, more people are looking for ways to keep their homes cool. One option is an air-to-air heat pump, which can cool a home in summer and warm it in colder months. It’s generally more energy efficient than a conventional air-conditioning unit.

Eligible residential properties can now receive a £2,500 grant towards installation through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. The system must be MCS-certified and cannot be paired with a fossil-fuel heating system. The scheme is installer-led, with the grant applied as an upfront discount.

There are also more passive ways to stay cool. Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day can help block out heat, while opening them at night can let cooler air in. External shutters or shading can also help, and lighter-coloured exterior surfaces may reflect more heat.

Anyone struggling in very hot weather may find relief in older buildings such as churches or cellars, which often stay cooler because of their thick stone walls, high ceilings and shaded windows.