Property expert offers tips on how to keep your house cool during the heatwave

I think I speak for us all when I say; summer, we love you, but could you please calm down with these temperatures?

Greater Manchester has been in the grips of a sweltering heatwave this last week, and it isn’t looking likely to be cooling down any time soon, with the Met Office this week predicting highs of 35 degrees celsius in certain parts of the UK. 

Yet while the hot weather is ideal for a spot of sunbathing or an impromptu trip to the local beer garden, it has been proving to be a real challenge throughout the twilight hours.

Mario Sanchez Prada / Flickr

Because British houses and apartment blocks were designed and built to withstand the chilly conditions experienced for the majority of the year, they transform into something not unlike a greenhouse when the sun is shining. 

This design flaw makes for some pretty uncomfortable (and sleepless) nights during the summer months – particularly during heatwaves. 

But thankfully, help is at hand.

That Property Guy, a property expert who uses TikTok to educate people on all things property, recently shared a handful of helpful tips to keep your home nice and cool during the heatwave. 

@thatpropertyguyuk / Instagram

In a video that has been viewed more than 2 million times, he says: “I don’t know about you but I’m starting to struggle with this heat, so here are some ways to keep your house cool.”

That Property Guy’s first tip is an obvious one: Keep all windows, blinds and curtains closed during the day to avoid letting in any sunlight or warm air. However he did add that, if needed, opening windows on opposite ends of the house can create a lovely cooling draught through the house.

He also said that filling up a bowl with ice water and placing it in front of a fan can help to circulate cold air throughout the room.

Any cooking needs to be done outside (if possible) to avoid using hot appliances like ovens and hobs – get those BBQs at the ready! 

That Property Guy also suggested freezing your bedsheets before hitting the hay – sounds bizarre, I know, but it’s a great way to keep your sheets icy cold while you drift off to sleep.

Other tips included turning off all electric appliances such as televisions while they’re not being used, and swapping halogen light bulbs to LED bulbs, which don’t heat up as much and also cost less – it’s a win-win! 

To stay up to date with all of That Property Guy’s tips, tricks, and renovation hacks, make sure to following him on Instagram here.