The summer is here, bringing a heat wave with temperatures hitting 39 degrees. So what to do to stay cool? (without re-mortgaging your house on electricity bills, or crippling the environment)

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1. Open windows and doors morning and evening, close midday - keeping the hot air out

2. Replace light bulbs with LEDs - they are cooler and cheaper

3. Close curtains / blinds (if you are truly creative: put up cardboard wrapped in tin foil to reflect the sun)

4. Dry your clothes inside - it will lower the temperature of the room

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5. Buy houseplants - by releasing excess water from leaves, they cool their environment

6. Install Cooling Curtains – spray a sheet with cold water and cover the window opening

7. Insulate your home – insulation keeps you warm in winter, and cool in summer

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You have exhausted the life hacks, and you still want to get a fan??

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First, check the wattage for electricity consumption. Higher wattage means higher bills. Approximate

costs*:

Bladed fan = 2p / hour

Bladeless fan = 1p

Tower fan = under 1p

AC units: Portable = 28p; Built-in = 75p

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Advice

- Turn off the fan when not in use (some have timers)

- Close the curtains to block sunlight

- Put a bowl of ice in front of the fan to circulate cool water (DIY Air-Con!)

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* As of July 2022

** Info from sources including Idealhome.co.uk and Theguardian.com

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