How to keep your house cool in summer without breaking the bank

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By Imogen Ford

19 Aug 2024

There isn’t a ‘one-size fits all’ approach to keeping your home cool in warmer weather, but we’ve compiled some of our top tips to make it easier for you to manage.

For energy saving tips, check out our previous blog: Energy saving tips for spring | Ecotricity

Maximise air flow

When it’s cooler outside than it is inside, let in air by opening windows on opposite sides of the property to help with airflow. Remember to close your windows when it’s hotter outside again though!

If you live in a flat, keep your doors open to encourage air to flow through, rather than get stuck in one room.
If you have a fan, try putting it in front of an open window – it might feel counterproductive, but it’ll cool down the air coming in and circulate it inside.

Tip:

The Energy Saving Trust reports that that a freestanding fan will cost 30p on average to run for 24-hours (non-stop) - a portable air con unit running for the same amount of time would cost over 20 times more!

Make the most of curtains and blinds

When temperatures are at their highest around midday, keep your windows shut and close your curtains/blinds to stop the heat getting in.
Lighter coloured blinds and curtains made of heavier materials will be most effective at keeping the sun out.

Insulation isn’t just for winter

It’s not just for keeping the cold air out – insulation can play a key role in keeping the cool area in too, particularly in the loft.

There are several different ways you can get started, depending on your budget:

Install loft insulation
Use draught excluders and/or foam tape around your doors
The average air leakage from doors is 11% - that’s around the same amount as air that would come through a 2.3 inch-diameter hole in your wall!
Install double or triple glazed windows to improve temperature control

If you're able to invest, installing extra insulation in your home will help keep heat out in the summer as well as reduce your energy bills and usage in the winter

Joanna O'Loan, the Energy Saving Trust

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