The heatwave hacks that could prove DEADLY: Experts urge Brits not to attempt to create 'DIY AC units' by attaching frozen towels to their fans
To cope with the heat, many desperate Brits are getting creative with their fans.
Thousands of videos have been posted on TikTok advising on how to adapt your basic fan to create a 'DIY AC unit'.
While you might be tempted to try one of these heatwave hacks, experts have warned that some could prove deadly.
The hacks to avoid are those that involve water or ice, according to Electrical Safety First.
'Water and electricity don't mix,' said Luke Osborne, technical director at Electrical Safety First.
'Anything that is frozen will eventually melt and will potentially drench your fan in water.
'This water risks not only coming into contact with the motor but any surrounding plug sockets and will really increase the risk of an electric shock.'
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One of the most popular heatwave hacks on TikTok sees users attach frozen bottles of water to the back of their fan.
While this initially helps to circulate cooler air around the room, it could end in disaster, according to Mr Osborne.
'This mindless "hack" is not only dangerous but ineffective too,' he explained.
'The frozen bottles of water will inevitably melt, creating condensation on the outside of the bottle.
'This will create water droplets that risk coming into contact with the motor of the fan, increasing your risk of electric shock.
'You're also adding weight to your fan that it's not designed to handle, which may put unnecessary stress on your fans motor and risk damaging your device.
'Whilst you may find you get a few seconds of relief, this hack is pointless in that it won't supply enough cold air to reduce the temperature across a room.'
Other users have opted to place frozen towels over the tops of their fan in a bid to produce colder air.
What's behind the UK heatwave?
The UK is on the edge of a 'heat dome' over continental Europe which has pushed temperatures to extreme highs in Spain, Italy and Greece.
Dr Akshay Deoras, from the University of Reading, says this is 'bringing stable, mostly cloudless weather and drawing in hot, dry air from the south'.
Scientists also claim that climate change - caused by human activity such as burning fossil fuels - is making heatwaves more frequent and intense.
'Much like other ineffective hacks, a frozen towel won't offer enough energy to cool down a room,' Mr Osborne added.
Meanwhile, a bowl of ice in front of your fan is also a bad idea.
'Whilst we would not recommend this hack, it offers a far lower level of risk of electric shock as the ice is nowhere near the electrical components of the fan,' Mr Osborne added.
'Even if you do try this hack, you'll likely remain hot, as a bowl of ice won't offer enough relief to continuously cool a room.
'Make sure the ice is sufficiently far enough away from the fan to avoid the device coming into contact with moisture if it's knocked over.'
If you're struggling to cope in the heat, thankfully Electrical Safety First has also given their advice on safe heatwave hacks that do work.
Firstly, the company advises opening windows on opposite sides of your house to create a cross wind.
Next, keep your curtains and blinds closed during the day.
'Your first thought might be to open the windows, but in doing so, you'll only let the hot air inside,' Electrical Safety First said.
'Ensuring your room remains shaded can help to keep inside temperatures down.
'Consider the orientation of your building. An easterly facing room will heat up in the morning, whilst a westerly facing room will do so in the afternoon, so shade or ventilate accordingly.'
Finally, when temperatures in the evening have dropped, open the windows back up.
'This will allow for the cool air to enter your home,' the experts added.
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