UK households told to leave loft hatch open for next seven days
UK households are being advised to keep their loft hatches open for the next week as the country braces for a heatwave. With temperatures predicted to rise into the low 30s, large swathes of the UK are expected to meet heatwave criteria by week's end.
Staying cool during the summer can be a struggle, particularly when it comes to securing a good night's sleep. At the University of Salford's Energy House 2.0 - the world's largest climate test chamber – scientists are collaborating with Barratt Redrow to examine how homes can endure increasingly hot summers due to climate change.
"The country is experiencing more frequent and intense weather extremes because of climate change. As part of this, there's an increasing risk of overheating, even during cooler summers, which negatively impacts wellbeing," saidOliver Novakovic from Barratt and David Wilson Homes.
"We're partnering with the University of Salford to trial new technologies alongside simple methods of reducing overheating and improving air quality, so the homes that are built in the next 10 or even 50 years can handle rising temperatures."
To assist homeowners, Oliver has offered seven expert tips for keeping your home cool during a heatwave:
Open your loft hatch
As hot air ascends in your home, it can often become trapped on the second floor, where you might be attempting to sleep.
Opening the loft hatch can help to dissipate heat from your bedroom, aiding in reducing overall temperatures, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Shut curtains and windows
Despite the allure of letting 'fresh air' into your home by opening your windows, it's actually more advantageous to keep them shut during the peak heat of the day. This is particularly true for any south-facing windows as they'll be bathed in sunlight for the majority of the day.
When the mercury is at its highest, draw your curtains to block out the sun, and close the windows to prevent hot air from entering.
As the temperature drops, you can open windows and doors - ideally on opposite sides of the house - to allow a fresh breeze to circulate. The optimal times to do this are early morning or late evening.
Switch off your electronics
Not only could this cut down on energy bills, but it could also help minimise heat accumulation in the house. Devices such as televisions, computers, gaming consoles, and even mobile phone chargers can generate heat, especially when used for prolonged periods.
Large appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and ovens all produce heat while in use. Aim to operate these appliances strategically during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings.
Change to LED lightbulbs
Traditional, incandescent light bulbs emit 90% of their energy as heat, and while this might not seem significant, it can add to a room's ambient temperature.
One method to reduce the temperature in a room is to turn off any unnecessary lights, or better yet, switch to low-energy LED light bulbs. These emit less heat, helping to keep your room slightly cooler, are more eco-friendly, and save money on bills.
Consider installing a ceiling fan
Although ceiling fans don't directly cool the air, they can be a cheaper and more sustainable way to create a wind chill effect than air conditioning. As air circulates across your skin, a ceiling fan draws away heat, making you feel cooler.
Alternatively, using a freestanding fan costs about 20p-40p for continuous use over a 24-hour period, according to the Energy Saving Trust. There are options on the market now that are quieter, so can be used at night.
As Oliver suggests, you can make your fan work smarter by placing it in front of an open window to encourage the fresh air from outside to be blown throughout the room - if it is cooler outside.
Enhance air quality
With hotter summers predicted in the future, you could invest a bit more in a mechanical ventilation system to improve internal air quality.
While these systems don't directly cool a house in the same way as air conditioning, they can help to reduce overheating and maintain a comfortable temperature in the summer months, are typically quiet and lower carbon.
Make it greener
By cultivating shrubs and plants around your property, you're not only aiding wildlife, but it could also help to cool your home and aid in flood prevention by enhancing water run-off. In addition, introducing indoor plants can provide air-cooling benefits.
Through a process known as transpiration (where water ascends through a plant, from the soil to the leaves and stem), they have the ability to cool the surrounding air. Common houseplants like snake plants, peace lilies, and spider plants are all excellent options for this purpose.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Brits urged to keep out of the garden from 11am everyday as mercury soars
As temperatures are set to shoot up all across the UK this week, Brits should avoid heading out during a certain time of the day otherwise they may risk falling ill As a third heatwave swelters across the UK this week, Brits have been urged to stay clear of the garden after a certain time to stay safe. According to data from the Met Office, the UK is in for a five-day heatwave, with much of the country meeting the criteria. In some regions, the temperature is expected to reach the low 30s. But while many Brits are undoubtedly rejoicing, others are likely struggling in the heat. In particular, many older people may be finding the hot weather tough to get through. Caroline Abrahams, Age UK Charity Director, said: 'Many parts of the country are about to embark on a prolonged period of extreme heat. When this happens, we especially worry about older people living in poorly ventilated modern homes which were built primarily to ward off the cold. Alan Titchmarsh urges households to follow one grass rule during hot weather 'It can become unbearably hot and stuffy after a few days so please do look out for any older people you know in this situation. The offer of the loan of a fan or of spending some time in a cooler environment would not only be kind, it could also make a real difference to their health and wellbeing.' One of the best ways to stay safe, particularly for older people, is to avoid going outdoors during peak sunlight. Caroline urged: 'For any older person, this year's third heatwave means it's a good idea to plan when to do everyday chores when it's cooler and to stay out of direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day between 11-3pm." That means it is worth taking extra precautions when planning activities like exercising, going for a walk, dog walking, or gardening. Caroline recommends doing these before or after the hottest part of the day and drinking enough water to stay hydrated. The reason why the heat wave poses more of a threat to older people is because of how our bodies change with age. Caroline explains that as we get older, our bodies generally find it harder to adapt to more extreme temperatures. 'Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke can all worsen certain conditions, increasing strain on the body, and some medications make us more susceptible to hot weather,' she says. Key warning signs of heat exhaustion include tiredness, dizziness, headaches and feeling sick. If you experience these symptoms, it's a good idea to take 30 minutes out to cool down and rest in a shaded place. Caroline also urges people to help by checking in on older relatives, friends, and neighbours to see if they need anything. It's important to check that they're not feeling overwhelmed by the excessive heat. She added: 'You could offer help to get shopping or picking up any medication, or you may even have an extra fan you could lend.' Other great ways to keep cool include staying hydrated, eating colder foods and taking cool baths and showers. It's important to dress appropriately in clothes that will keep you cool. Age UK suggests wearing light-coloured, loose cotton clothing.
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Families to pay more for water during hot weather as companies impose surge pricing
Households use up to double the amount of water during hot weather WATER SURGE Families to pay more for water during hot weather as companies impose surge pricing Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FAMILIES face paying more for water during heat waves under surge pricing trials. A pilot scheme for customers with smart water meters at 15 firms across the country will be introduced, meaning water costs will change when demand is higher. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 It comes as large areas of the UK have been put under hosepipe bans Credit: Getty 4 Families face paying more for water during heat waves under surge pricing trials Credit: Getty 4 Households use up to double the amount of water during hot weather Credit: AFP Ofwat, the industry regulator, said the five-year trials could extend for all customers. A nationwide rollout of smart meters is being supported by the Government to reduce consumption, which ministers reckon will help prevent hosepipe bans. It comes as the Met Office is predicting temperature highs of 32C this weekend. And households use up to double the amount of water during hot weather. The average four-person family consumes 438litres of water per day, according to Southern Water. Ofwat said last year surge pricing measures could help reduce water consumption when demand is higher. It said in a report: 'customers who use a lot of water, for example those with swimming pools, hot tubs or large scale sprinkler systems, could be charged a premium for very high use, particularly at times when water is scarce.' A spokesman for Ofwat said: 'We are working with partners to consider the recommendations made by Baringa as we develop our approach to the water efficiency fund.' Approximately half a million households in England and Wales have a smart water meter installed, with providers at varying stages of their rollout. But firms have been criticised for installing them without households' consent in so-called water-stressed areas, where demand exceeds availability. This comes as parts of Kent and Sussex and Yorkshire have been introduced to a sweeping ban on hosepipes. From yesterday, Brits are not be permitted to use hosepipes to water their gardens, wash their cars or for any other purpose while the ban is in effect. Businesses will still be permitted to use a hosepipe if it relates to commercial purposes. Blue badge holders and people on Yorkshire Water's priority services register will also be exempt from the restrictions. Restrictions are set to stay in place until the region has seen some rainfall but the ban could last until winter. Customers who ignore the ban could face fines of up to £1,000. A pilot by South West Water was predicted to hike annual bills for someone who gardens regularly by £22, while someone living in a flat could save £1 a year. It is now planning to trial 'peak summer demand tariffs'. Market Operator Services Limited (MOSL), which runs the commercial water retail market, said 'surge pricing' would only work with data from smart readers. A spokesperson said earlier this year: 'Granular consumption data from smart meters, for example, can support greater innovations in tariffs, including seasonal tariffs and surge pricing." Those with smart gas and electricity meters are already subject to surge pricing measures when demand is high. However, the Government has called on water companies not to use smart meter data to assess whether households are breaking hosepipe bans because it's unreliable. Readings are not able to reveal which appliances are being used. A source at one water provider told the Telegraph: 'It would be possible, although it's not possible for us at the moment.' But Thames Water inspectors are already being sent to households that use more than 500 litres of water per day. A source said: 'We are using water meters to spot households whose water usage never goes below zero, as this would suggest they've got a leak.' Richard Tice, the Reform UK MP, said: 'Once again, Big Brother is watching you. This would be a Chinese-style social credit system. The answer is to fix our water industry. "There is no reason to ever have water shortages on an island nation beset by rain.' Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Conservative leader, added: 'This is developing into Big Brother spying on us. This is what goes on in China under the brutal Chinese Communist Party.' Meanwhile, Water companies have denied smart meters are being implemented to enforce hosepipe bans. A spokesman for Water UK said: 'Smart meters cannot be used to track compliance with water restrictions. "They only tell water customers and water companies how much water is being used and when. "This information helps to identify leaks and it allows customers to save money by enabling them to understand and manage their water use.' A spokesman for Yorkshire Water said: 'Smart meters cannot be used to track hosepipe usage. "They can show us how much customers are using, which can help detect leaks, saving water and saving customers who are on a meter money.'
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Little-known trick that can help keep bedrooms cool at night as 30C heatwave hits Scotland
The Met Office is warning that parts of Scotland could reach over 30C tomorrow, with uncomfortably balmy overnight temperatures IT'S A BREEZE Little-known trick that can help keep bedrooms cool at night as 30C heatwave hits Scotland Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THERE's a little-known hack to keep your bedroom cool at night as temperatures rocket to a sweltering 29C this week. Householders are being advised to keep their attic loft hatch open over the coming days amid the heatwave. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Temperatures are set to soar across Scotland this weekend Credit: Steve Welsh 2 Leaving attic hatches open can helps cool down properties during hot weather Credit: Getty The Met Office is warning that parts of Scotland could reach over 30C tomorrow, with uncomfortably balmy overnight temperatures. Glasgow is forecast to be 30C tomorrow, but the weather service anticipates some western areas of the country could reach a scorching 32C. Sunday will remain warm but the mercury will drop off across Scotland. As the temperatures are set to reach sweltering highs, it's important to know how you can keep cool. Often, excessive heat can keep us up at night, taking away our important sleep. But there's a little tip that can help with that. By leaving your attic hatch open in the leadup to a heatwave, you can actually reduce the amount of hot air held in your bedrooms that prevents you from sleeping. When a house heats up, the warm air most often gets stuck on the second floor. This is where most bedrooms are, so they tend to be the hottest. By opening your attic hatch, you are allowing air to rise higher, leading it away from your bedrooms. Full list of TRNSMT bar prices revealed as pints are hiked up This can help to bring the overall temperatures down, allowing you to sleep peacefully. This was found by experts at the University of Salford's Energy House 2.0, which is home to the most expansive climate simulation chamber in the world. They have partnered with Barratt Redrow to explore how households can combat the hot summers brought on by global warming. Oliver Novakovic, from Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: "The country is seeing more frequent and intense weather extremes due to climate change. "As part of this, there is an increasing risk of overheating, even during cooler summers, which has a detrimental effect on wellbeing. "We're working with the University of Salford to test new technologies alongside simple methods of reducing overheating and improving air quality, so the homes that are built in the next 10 or even 50 years can cope with rising temperatures." He also recommends keeping curtains and windows closed until temperatures outside start to cool down to prevent hot air entering, and switching to low-energy LED lightbulbs as they produce less heat. Keeping electricals off is a win in two ways, as not only does it reduce heat buildup, but it can also bring down your energy bills. And if you have to use bigger appliances like washing machines and dryers, try to use them when it's coolest outside to prevent more heat building up.
