Keeping your cool - 10 breezy tips to a cool home

After a long day at work, the last thing you want is to come home to an overheated house. So, how do you keep your house nice and cool? Here are our top 10 tips on mainting a lovely, breezy home.

1) Windows and coverings
It can be incredibly tempting to open a window in this heat, but this can sometimes be the worst thing to do. A cool house needs cool air, and by opening the windows you can be letting even more warm air in. Without a decent breeze, this can make your house even warmer. Before you leave for work, ensure all windows, blinds and curtains are closed so that the sun can reflect away from the back of them (black out curtains are your best option).

If you absolutely must open the window, open two at the opposite ends of the house (or the front and back door) to allow a cool breeze to move through the property. 

2) House plants and water
A strange way proven to cool a home is through plants, as they act as natural air conditioners. Plants will pump moisture into the atmosphere, cooling it down naturally - just remember to water them! Altneratively, a full bowl of cold water in each room will have the same effect.

3) Too much energy
A major source of heat in any home are the appliances. Put your hand close to the television and you'll feel the heat radiating from the screen. Ensure all appliances are turned off when not in use, and try to use them a little as possible - it'll save you money on your energy bills too.

4) Fans
Although your natural instinct will be to point this at the position you're in, heat rises meaning the fan will be pushing all of the warmth upwards where it will stay, heating the room even more. Point your fan to the ceiling so it can cool the warmest part of the room. 

Putting a bowl of ice water in front of any fan will also push the cool moisture around the room for a quicker effect.

5) Clothing and bedding
Loose, cotton clothing is your best chance of keeping cool during the warm periods. Changing your bedding will also help to release the heat trapped between the sheets - as will leaving your duvet off the bed during the day.

6) Restrict your cooking times
Ovens, hobs and microwaves all give off an incredible amount of heat. Try prepping cold meals, or prep your meals in advance to cut back on as much oven time as possible. It's a great excuse for barbecues!

7) Ditch the memory foam!
Unlike standard mattresses, memory foam mattresses are designed in a way that they not only retain your shape but your heat too. Mattresses with several layers inside will provide a cool, airy space to sleep on.

8) No lights
Light bulbs give off a tremednous amount of heat, and keeping them turned off for longer will cool your house much quicker. You'll be saving money on your energy bill and with the warmer weather, lighter evenings means you can hold off on turning lights on for much longer.

9) Hot water bottles - yes, really!
Hot water bottle are not only life savers in the cold weather, but warm too. Fill your hot water bottle with cold water and put it in the freezer during the day to cool you down instantly. Some people even freeze their sheets...

10) Keep yourself cool
The best way to keep cool is to cool yourself, before cooling an entire house. Try and eat as much cold food as possible, and drink plenty - the average is 6 to 8 glasses a day, but it is recommended that you drink up to twice as much during the hot weather. Keep cool with lots of water... ice cream helps too!