UK households told to keep their windows closed this weekend

Daily Mirror

6 days ago

A heatwave is currently scorching the UK, with temperatures expected to reach a sweltering 26C over the weekend. Brits are being advised to keep windows closed to keep homes cool
Brits are being urged to keep their windows firmly closed, along with curtains and blinds, this weekend as temperatures take an unexpected leap. Temperatures had a bit of a dip over the past few weeks as the recent sunshine gave way to rain, which was a boost for gardeners if not for barbecues.
But this Friday, a two-day mini heatwave will warm up parts of the UK, with the south of England in particular told to brace for conditions between 24C and 26C. Although temperatures are expected to be cool on Thursday, hot weather is still expected in parts of the country on Friday and Saturday.
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On Friday, May 30, the Met Office is predicting 24C conditions in London, albeit with some cloud cover, before temperatures rise to 25C on Saturday, then drop back down to 20C on Sunday and Monday, reports the Express.
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With the UK basking under an intense May sun, our homes are getting hotter - a challenge to the high insulation meant for our typically cold British winters. This means households across the country are advised to adopt measures to keep their indoor spaces cool during these sunny periods.
Energy experts are offering top tips on how to cool our houses during a scorcher without wasting money. OVO Energy warns against the common reaction to swing open the windows when the heat rises, stating: "Tempting as it is to fling open the windows at the first sign of summer, it's not actually the best idea. To keep your house cool, you need to keep the hot air out."
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The energy provider recommends keeping your windows tightly closed. They further added: "This means keeping windows closed during the day – particularly south-facing windows. Keep curtains, blinds and windows shut when the sun is shining directly on them, and when you're out. Try opening windows on the most shaded side of your home, to avoid sunlight and hot air getting in."
Andy Kerr from BOXT pointed out that British homes often work against us in a heatwave because they're built to retain warmth, not repel it. Common wisdom might suggest cranking up fans or throwing windows open to alleviate the swelter, but Andy suggests that these methods may fall short of expectations.
He said: "Getting rid of unwanted heat in your home can be difficult in the summer months, especially when most UK properties are built to retain heat. While grabbing a fan or opening up all your windows are often mentioned as effective ways to cool your home, these methods may not result in the desired results.
"To help homeowners keep cool as the warmer months approach, we have revealed which common home cooling hacks are myths and why they don't work so you can avoid them this summer. When temperatures are particularly warm, opening up all your windows will let more hot air into your home, heating up your home and making you feel warmer.
"Instead of opening all your windows, it is much better to strategically open windows to create cross breezes throughout the day and open your windows during the night to let cooler air in."