10 hours ago
The EXACT time you should close your windows when it gets hot & why opening them could be making your home even stuffier
IT'S the first instinct for many people - to open the windows when it gets warm outside.
And with temperatures set to exceed 28°C this week, there will undoubtedly be millions of people cracking theirs open in a bid to catch a break from the stuffy temperatures.
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However, according to one expert, there are only two times during the day and night that you should actually open the windows.
"The number one rule in a heatwave is to not open your windows when it's hotter outside than in," Alan Reid, double glazed doors and windows expert at Art Windows and Doors, explained.
"Opening your windows is not cooling your home, it's just letting more heat come flooding in."
So make sure that your windows and blinds are closed between 11am and 4pm - especially if your house is south-facing.
And at 8pm, you can open your windows fully - this will allow the hot air to escape gradually when the temperature outside start to drop.
It's then a good idea to leave your windows on night mode, if you have that setting on your vents.
"Most modern windows have a built in vent lock or night catch which lets you crack the window slightly for airflow without leaving it fully open," Alan added.
"Used at the right time when the outdoor air is cooler, it can help release trapped heat from your home."
You can open the windows fully once again in the morning, before the temperatures rise again.
There are some other ways you can help keep your home cool in the daytime during a heatwave too.
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Strip them off
It might sound simple, but stripping kids off at home can really help them regulate their temperature when it's warm outside. Just remember to regularly apply suncream, as more of their skin will be exposed to the sun.
Cool down bedrooms before nighttime
When it's hot outside, it can be difficult for kids to go to sleep - especially if their bedroom feels like an oven. If you have a room that's not in direct sunshine, keep the windows open to let in a breeze. It's also a good idea to keep the curtains closed, to prevent the room from heating up.
Wear a hat
Another simple technique, but one that really works. Make sure that if your kids are playing outside, they've got a hat on. It keeps their face and head shielded from the sun, and also helps if you've got a little one who struggles with bright sunlight. If your tot struggles to keep a hat on, try one with a strap that goes under the chin to help.
Avoid the car
The car can be one of the hottest places during a heatwave, and often takes a long time to cool down. If you have the option, it's better to stay at home rather than taking kids out anywhere in a hot car.
Stay hydrated
This is always important, but even more so in a heatwave. Make sure you're regularly reminding your kids to have a drink, and top them up with cool liquids whenever you can. Use ice too to ensure it's as cold as it can possibly be.
Some are somewhat self-explanatory - don't use ovens or other heat-generating appliances during peak heat hours, and use linen or cotton bedding to stay cooler at night.
But other ideas include having light coloured curtains and blinds, as this will stop them absorbing the heat, and will instead keep rooms cool.
And if you've got a fan, you can turn it into a makeshift air cooler by putting a bowl full of ice in front of it.
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