How do you keep your home cool in the summer?

7 years ago

We haven't exactly experienced a heatwave this summer, so perhaps you've had to have the heating on rather than off this season.

But when the heatwave does kick in, how do you handle it? Cast your vote and share your experience in the comments below (and feel free to vent about the weather, too!)

skidmore passivhaus · More Info

Air conditioning

Fan (portable or ceiling)

Wall cooling system

I just open the windows

I don’t need to cool down my house

Other

Featured Answer

hcordell

7 years ago

Speaking from London I copy the habits of hot countries. Blinds have to be down before the sun hits the windows, then open the windows through the flat, not necessarily so much on the side being hit on the sun. Create a through draft from front to back, obviously windows have to be shut when you are out but leave blinds down or curtains closed then too. I have an old mansion flat and live on the ground floor so there are some inbuilt advantages from the solid walls and position. Energy required, me walking backwards and forwards closing blinds and opening and shutting windows. With the forecasts of ever increasing energy prices and warmer climate we need to design in low energy cooling methods as well as heating. In the future we may need to use our chimneys to bring in cold air at night to cool buildings as is done traditionally in the middle east.

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Comments (7)

ianthy
7 years ago
Keep windows open and plantation shutters nearly closed to keep out the heat of the sun.
Najeebah
7 years ago
we keep all windows and doors open during the day, some windows open at night, and have insulation and fans
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Jayk
7 years ago
Excellent insulation plus the occasional opening of windows for good air circulation.
angelboyman
7 years ago
Our house is generally cooler than outside as we had cavity wall insulation fitted. I wanted an air-conditioning unit in the new build but just for a few rooms (my bedroom and the main kitchen/family room) but I can already see the kids whacking up the air-con and then eloping all the doors, so I'm in two minds just to have one in the bedroom for those hot stuffy summer nights!
User
5 years ago
I thought you might find an article I recently wrote for a client useful, so have linked in below. Hope to be os some help to you.

http://www.clickglazing.co.uk/blog/how-to-keep-conservatories-cool-in-the-summer
peter stringer
last year
last modified: last year
With my dormer bungalow ,I close the curtains on the sunny side of the house as soon as the sun comes round. Early morning i open doors and windows as nesessary . i also open the landing sky light.

to impove its performance in extreme weather sun/heat I would like to have inward openning windows on both sides and continental style external shutters. As an interim measure a shopstyle blind /blinds over th front windows.

The bungalow is far from energy efficent ,has a large roof which I need to upgrade the insulation under the rafters, put solar tiles on the roof. install the kit to run it and a battery .I also have to buy and install a ground sorce heat pump,an electic car charging point and install a rain collection tank.

I think i should knock it down and build a passive house instead. Small problem live in conservation area.

How do you keep your home cool in the summer?

hcordell

Comments (7)

ianthy

Najeebah

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