New Homeowners: Staying Cool This Summer
Advice for New Homeowners: Staying Cool This Summer
At Dave’s Blinds, we want to ensure that everyone living in new homes stays cool and comfortable during the summer months. While newer homes are designed to be well-insulated and airtight to retain heat during the winter, this can lead to overheating during the warmer seasons.
The Unintended Consequence of Overheating
Even if this summer hasn’t reached record temperatures, homes can still overheat. Our research indicates that rooms can overheat even in autumn when the sun is lower in the sky, not just during the peak summer months. As homes become better insulated and airtight to conserve warmth, managing summer heat becomes increasingly important.
Record-Breaking Heat
In 2022, England experienced its joint hottest summer on record, with a scorching 40.3°C recorded in Lincolnshire. The trend of rising temperatures continued with the world’s hottest day ever recorded in July 2023. These extremes highlight the need for effective cooling strategies in our homes.
Time-Tested Solutions: Shading
For centuries, European homes, especially in southern regions, have utilized shading to maintain cooler indoor temperatures. Shading is a simple yet effective method that can help us stay cool and comfortable as UK summers grow warmer.
Benefits of Shading
Research commissioned by the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) on a block of London flats showed striking results. Rooms without shading reached a staggering 47.5°C, while those with external blinds stayed at a much cooler 28°C—a 41% reduction! Internal blinds also helped, keeping temperatures at a maximum of 32°C, though these apartments had limited ventilation to remove heat buildup during the day.
Practical Tips for Staying Cool
- Use Blinds and Shutters: Keep them closed during the day to avoid heat gain and open them at night to allow the building to cool down.
- Ventilation: Open windows at night to facilitate airflow and reduce indoor temperatures.
By incorporating shading and proper ventilation, we can help mitigate the effects of overheating in well-insulated and airtight new homes. Stay cool and comfortable this summer with these simple yet effective strategies. For more solutions, contact us to discuss options for your home. Stay cool, everyone!