CHILL OUT
12 savvy DIY home improvements to keep your home cool in summer – and they start from just £10
Expert Paul Gibbens says keeping your home cool is vital
THE Great British Summer has been disappointing so far, but with some experts predicting that the next heatwave is just around the corner, it’s a great time to think about cooling your home.
The good news is that beating the heat doesn’t have to cost the earth.
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In fact, there are solutions starting from just £10 that can make scorching temperatures more bearable.
Keeping your pad cool in the summer will help with you feel more comfortable at home.
You don't have to be DIY whizz either, plenty of hacks are easy to implement yourself.
We’ve spoken to heating engineers and DIY experts to round up the most cost-effective measures to keep cool. Here’s our pick of the best:
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- Window film/tint
Reflective or tinted window films can reduce heat gain by blocking UV rays and glare.
The material costs from £8 and up to £20 a roll, and should cover three to four windows.
Installation is usually straightforward, thanks to an easy peel-and-stick application process.
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Heating engineer from boiler firm Heatable, Patrick Garner says: “These films are a great addition to any home, especially those with large windows that receive direct sunlight. This can protect your interiors from sun damage and reduce cooling costs.”
According to Which?, window films can block up to 99% of UV rays and reduce solar heat gain by up to 79%.
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- Loft insulation
Proper insulation in your loft can prevent heat from entering your living spaces, keeping your home cooler in the summer.
The average cost of adding loft insulation is between £1,500 and £2,000, depending on the size of the loft and the type of insulation.
Garner says: “Improved insulation not only keeps your home cooler in the summer but also warmer in the winter, enhancing overall energy efficiency.
“The Energy Saving Trust estimates that installing loft insulation can save you up to £225 per year on your energy bills.”
Dave Raval from insulation firm LoftZone adds that to ensure insulation is effective, homeowners must be careful about how they use their lofts for storage.
He explains: “Don't put your boxes and belongings straight on the insulation – most people don’t know that squashing insulation makes it 50% less efficient.
“Any cracks or holes in your loft space will allow the hot outside air to seep in.
“Not to mention it puts you at risk of water damage. Weatherproof caulk is a cheap option to plug these holes and ensure your loft isn’t leaking or letting in air.”
- Thermal blinds
Thermal blinds or curtains can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your home by blocking out the sun.
These are particularly effective in rooms with large windows facing south or west, which receive the most sunlight.
Garner says: “The cost of thermal blinds typically ranges from £20 to £150 per window, depending on size and quality, while thermal curtains can cost between £30 to £100 per panel.”
Besides keeping your home cool, these also improve energy efficiency by reducing the need for air conditioning.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, using thermal blinds and curtains can reduce heat gain by up to 77% in the summer.
- Painting light colours instead of dark
Painting your home’s exterior and interior walls in light colours can help reflect more sunlight compared to darker colours.
This will make your home cooler, as the darker colours absorb heat.
The cost of painting varies based on the size of the area and the type of paint used, but our experts say that on average, it can cost between £200 to £300 for interior rooms and £1,000 to £3,000 for the exterior of the house.
- Shade trees
Planting trees strategically around your home can provide natural shade, ultimately cooling your home.
It’s cheap as well, with a cost of just £15-£30 per tree for young saplings.
Planting is straightforward, and you’ll only need basic tools. But take care not to plant too close to your home as roots can cause structural damage. As a broad rule, you should locate at a distance that is as at least the mature height of the tree you want to plant.
- Green roofs
A green roof, covered with plants, can significantly reduce your roof temperature.
Typically, this costs between £100-£300, although the exact price will vary depending on the size and type of plants.
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- Cool roof and wall coatings
Applying a reflective coating to your roof can reduce heat absorption, making your home cooler.
This can prolong the life of your roof and reduce cooling costs by reflecting more sunlight.
Coatings cost about £0.75 to £1.50 per square foot.
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), reflective roof coatings can reduce roof temperatures by up to 30%, significantly lowering cooling costs.
You can also use cool coatings on your walls. These coatings reflect infrared sunlight and reduce wall temperature.
The typical cost is £50-£100 per 5 litres and you can apply them with a roller or sprayer.
- Ceiling fans
Ceiling fans are an excellent way to circulate air and create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler without lowering the room temperature.
Gibbens advises that installation requires basic electrical skills or a professional, depending on the complexity of the model.
Garner adds: “A ceiling fan costs between £50 and £300, plus installation if you need an electrician. Fans are energy-efficient and can complement your air conditioning system, potentially lowering your energy bills.”
The National Grid suggests that using ceiling fans in conjunction with your air conditioning can reduce your cooling costs by up to 30%.
Solar-powered fans can also help to ventilate hot air from the attic, reducing your overall home temperature.
They typically cost between £100-£300 per fan, according to Gibbens.
- Sail canopies
Installing sail canopies allows you to create shaded outdoor areas, reducing heat entering through your windows.
You’ll need to spend £30-£100 per sail, but installation is easy, and you just need to attach them to walls or poles with the provided hardware.
- Bamboo shades
Bamboo shades can block heat coming through your windows while allowing airflow.
You’ll need to pay between £15-£40 per shade, but Gibbens advises that they are easy to hang with brackets.
Alternatively, you could consider awnings, which can provide shade and reduce heat gain through windows. This option is more expensive, costing £50-£150 per window.
- Programmable thermostats
A programmable thermostat allows you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day, optimising your cooling system’s efficiency.
These thermostats are a relatively inexpensive upgrade, with prices ranging from £30 to £150.
Garner says: “This can lead to significant savings on your energy bills by ensuring your cooling system runs only when needed.”
According to British Gas, using a programmable thermostat can save you up to £75 a year on your heating and cooling costs.
- Replace old lightbulbs
Lightbulbs that are inefficient, such as traditional incandescent bulbs, will typically give off excess heat.
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In fact, incandescent bulbs only use about 10% of the energy they consume for light, meaning 90% is emitted as heat, making them one of the many reasons your home may be scorching.
London rubbish removal company Rainbow Rubbish Removals says that alternative bulbs such as LEDs produce significantly less heat and use less energy, making them a great choice for those looking for a more energy-efficient bulb with the rewards of less heat and more longevity.
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