Revealed: the viral window tip that promises to keep your home cool in a heatwave
If you are struggling with the heat then you’ll want to try this trick before resorting to costly air conditioning
Wondering how to keep a home cool in an intense heatwave? With temperatures set to soar this summer, we've scoured the internet to find a clever tip to help you to beat the heat – and it is oh-so simple.
Whether you are looking for ways to keep a home cool in a heatwave or want to know how to cool down a living room in your home that always bears the brunt of the sunshine and hot air, this expert window hack will help.
The viral window tip to keep your home cool
Keeping your house cool is essential during a heatwave and, if you find that your house lets in direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon, you could find that conditions quickly become unbearable.
But if you have opened all of the windows in your home in an effort to keep cool, you might want to think again. It turns out that the trick is to only open certain ones.
'With the US weather being so unpredictable, we are never fully ready for when a big heatwave hits,' says Lucy Askew, spokesperson for Hillary's. 'This expert quick tip will help keep you cool whilst you are at home – and you won’t need to spend any money doing it.'
1. Shut all windows on the south side of your house
During a heatwave it is recommended that you close all windows on the south side of your house, and draw the curtains. This is usually the side that receives the most sunlight.
Remember, the sun is at its hottest around 3 pm. Heat continues building up after noon, when the sun is highest in the sky. By 5 pm, the sun is low enough in the sky for outgoing heat to be greater than incoming.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
2. Open all the windows on the north side of your house
The north side of your house usually receives little to no direct sunlight, so it is recommended that you open these windows to allow cooler air to circulate within the home.
This viral TikTok trend has certainly lit up the internet with many agreeing that it is the ultimate secret to a cool home, and it is also a great way to protect and keep pets safe from heatwaves.
It is also worth thinking about your window treatments. The right window treatment ideas could be just what you need to ensure your home stays cooler for longer. If your house does experience more sunlight throughout the day then it’s recommended you keep your curtains, shutters and blinds shut to stop the sunlight from beaming into your home. This will keep things marginally cooler and slightly more bearable during heatwaves.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
-
Prabal Gurung evokes modern luxury with his 'East Meets West' collection at Rugs USA – get the look for under $75
Nepal and New York come together in the designer's latest collaboration – the elevated designs revel in rich patterns and color, and they're 15% off now
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
I'm a trained cook – these are the 12 clever kitchen gadgets I think practically pay for themselves
These gadgets and gizmos will save you time, effort, and money
By Lydia Hayman Published