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As heatwaves hit, we find ourselves fervently searching for a solution to cool down — especially our homes. How will we endure the day? And how, oh how, will we sleep at night? While the sell-out fan of the summer is a great option, there's so much more you can do to help reduce the heat in your home.
While my first instinct is to run around the house opening up as many windows as possible and following the 'wind tunnel method', after many years writing about tips and tricks around your home, I know better. In fact, it can actually be the worst thing you can do.
What is the 'caveman method'?
What we're aptly calling the "caveman method", is the idea is that we should resort to living like our home is a cave and then, we'll be a lot cooler.
Joseph explains the logic behind it: "A cave is cool in heatwaves because it is dark and doesn't have direct sunlight or a direct entrance for the heat. You want to probably mimic that".
But, how? Well, while you've instinctively tried to invite a breeze into your home through open windows and doors, you actually want to avoid it. Instead, Holman recommends you keep everything closed for the entire time it's hot.
"Reduce sunlight and stop the movement of the outside air inside. Even switching off the lights will help you with that".
Joseph Holman, CEO of Green Doors
Basically, you should be treating your home like you're hiding in a cave. Keep the warm air outside — and make sure you're not inviting it in.
Even if you think the area of your house is shaded and therefore a cooler spot, by opening a window or door, you're still bringing hot air into the house regardless of how much shade is outside.
Ultimately, Joseph says, you want to "reduce sunlight and stop the movement of the outside air inside. Even switching off the lights will help you with that".
If you've got AC, Joseph adds, you wouldn't be opening doors or windows through fear of letting the cool air out and wasting it. In reverse, if you're not running AC, but you open the doors or windows, you're letting hot air in.
Long-term solutions
In the short-term, keeping your windows and doors shut is a great trick for handling a heat wave. And going full caveman will certainly help you when it comes to those hot summer days (and sleepless nights).
But, there's long-term methods you also want to consider.
For this, Joseph says: "If you want to protect your home from the heat longer term, I would recommend investing in tinted film for windows to reflect the heat, as well as installing integral blinds as a smart way to control the temperature in your home.
"You can install integral blinds without changing the doors and windows themselves, simply by changing the glazing units".
Adding: "They are a great space saver and will last longer than external blinds, which can be damaged much more easily".
He also recommends modern glass for its superior reflective qualities, as well as roller blind canopies as another excellent option for keeping the direct sunlight away from your doors.
I know I'm certainly looking for more ways to cool down my home, and rather than waiting for the next heat wave to hit and regretting ignoring Joseph's advice, I think we can all be better prepared.
For more heat wave help, check out why experts recommend the 'DIY cool room' technique during a heat wave — and how to do it. And see our picks for the best smart air conditioners.
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