How to keep your home cool in summer
We’re all used to wrapping up and turning the heating on when it’s cold, but with summer temperatures regularly breaking records, knowing how to keep your home cool in summer is now just as important. Getting the temperature right makes a real difference to your sleep, wellbeing and day-to-day life, especially during a heatwave.
Here are some easy, low-cost ways to stay cool in summer without relying on air conditioning, plus the role glazing can play too.
Why staying cool matters in the UK
Most UK homes are designed to retain heat rather than release it. That’s great in winter, but not so helpful in August when the sun’s blazing and rooms can become uncomfortably warm. Overheating indoors can affect everything from sleep to mood, and can be especially uncomfortable for young children, older people or anyone working from home.
While air conditioning might seem like an obvious fix, there’s a reason it’s not particularly common in the UK. Retrofitting air con can be expensive, inefficient and tricky to integrate. Plus, for most of the year, it’s simply not needed.
While hot spells are becoming more common, they’re still limited to a few weeks each year. That means many people don’t view air conditioning as a worthwhile investment until the temperature suddenly spikes. And when it drops again, we forget all about it.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to cool your home down without AC.
How to keep your home cool without air conditioning
If you’re trying to keep your home cool without AC, the key is reducing heat gain during the day and encouraging airflow when it’s cooler.
Here are some easy tricks to try:
- • Block out the sun: Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day, especially if you have south-facing windows. Thermal or blackout curtains can help reduce the amount of heat coming in.
- • Open windows strategically: If possible, you can create ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of your home. This helps air move through rather than just letting warm air in.
- • Know when to keep windows closed: If the air outside is hotter than inside, keep your windows shut during the day and open them again once it cools down in the evening.
- • Switch off heat producing applicances: Ovens can heat up a room surprisingly quickly. Opt for meals that don’t need the oven or hob when you can – no-cook options like summer salads and outdoor barbecues are a good way to keep temperatures down in the kitchen.
- • Use fans wisely: A fan placed by an open window can be a great way to circulate cooler air. Or try the bowl-of-ice trick in front of a fan to help cool the room faster.
How glazing and window choices can help keep your home cool
Your windows are one of the biggest sources of heat gain in your home, especially on bright, sunny days. The type of glazing you have, the direction your windows face and even the curtains or blinds you use can all affect the indoor temperatures.
By making a few smart choices, you can reduce heat gain without blocking out light entirely, so your home stays cooler and more comfortable during hot spells.
- • Modern double and triple glazing improve insulation all year round, helping keep warm air out in summer and cold out in winter.
- • Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass and solar control coatings can reduce the amount of heat coming in through glass without blocking any natural light.
- • Secondary glazing is a great option for older or listed homes. It adds an extra layer of insulation and helps reduce heat transfer without changing the original window frames. Read more about how it works in our guide to glazing.
Other simple ways to keep your home cool in a heatwave
Not every change has to be a big one. Some quick wins for keeping cool in a heatwave are completely free, while others might involve small updates to how you use your space. The key is working with what you have and knowing where a few adjustments can make a difference.
- • Switch to LED lighting, which gives off far less heat than older bulbs.
- • Keep internal doors open to let cooler air circulate more freely.
- • Use light-coloured soft furnishings, as darker colours absorb more heat.
- • Add shade outside where possible – parasols, a canopy or awning, or even a potted plant by a sunny window can make a difference.
Year-round comfort with the right glazing
In warmer months, glazing plays a key role in keeping heat out, especially when combined with the right coatings or window treatments. And when the seasons change, those same features help your home stay warm and can even contribute to lower energy bills.
Good glazing is a long-term investment in year-round comfort. If you’re planning ahead, our post on energy efficient windows offers plenty of guidance on what to look for and how to find the right option for your home.
Need advice? We’re happy to help
The right approach will depend on your home, your windows and how your space is used, especially when temperatures rise. Whether you’re upgrading your windows, adding secondary glazing or just want a bit of honest advice, we’re here to help. With over 40 years of experience working with Yorkshire homes, we know what makes a real difference in every season.
Get in touch with our Leeds team for straightforward, friendly support, or visit us at our showroom to chat through the options in person.