We’re in the middle of summer, and there’s a long way to go until temperatures calm down. Many are complaining about the sweltering heat and seeking ways to cool down a little, whether by grabbing an ice-cold latte or occasionally spraying themselves with water. Cold showers are also an effective solution to beat the heat and regulate your body temperature, besides helping with muscle relaxation, pain relief, and circulatory improvement.
Many UK homes lack air conditioning, meaning their homeowners must find other solutions to resist the searing heat when it becomes impossible to take. So, what are your options to cool down and maintain a pleasant environment when the AC is off the table?
Breathable clothing
One of the most important factors in how you perceive and react to different temperatures is the materials covering your body. Some fabrics shouldn’t be worn throughout the summer, regardless of how widespread they are in fashion. Acrylic, nylon, and polyester are among the worst choices for hot weather, as they don’t have moisture-wicking or breathability properties. Polyester uses plastic fabrics, and even if their quick-dry abilities can come in handy when you’re in a rush to wash and wear an item, it also comes with a host of disadvantages. For instance, it is good at retaining unpleasant odours, which is the last thing you want during heatwaves.
What is suitable for summer, whatsoever, are the following materials:
Cotton. Famously breathable cotton shouldn’t be absent in any wardrobe. Because it is a natural textile that uses the fluffy fibres in the plant, it tends to be more breathable and softer than any other textile. It’s the best pick for summer clothes like dresses, skirts, tops, and the list can go on, as it can hold plenty of moisture and slowly evaporate it, keeping you cool during heat waves.
Lyocell. Lyocell is often used as an alternative to silk and cotton because of the properties owned. It’s a semi-synthetic fabric made mainly from cellulose extracted from wood, using dissolution processes and organic solvents. As such, it is an eco-friendly fibre. It doesn’t cling or generate allergies, is more absorbent than cotton, and has excellent uses for activewear.
Railroad stripe. Railroad stripe, more commonly known as “seersucker”, is a thin fabric with a distinctive puckered appearance typically woven from cotton. Among the best parts of this material is that railroad stripes clothing can be quickly grabbed when you’re in a rush since it doesn’t need any ironing. The textile is lightweight and looks fantastic right after you unfold your clothing.
Hemp. In many ways, hemp resembles linen. It is often combined with the top summer textile, cotton, to create cosy blended fabrics. It’s made with the stalks of the cannabis plant and provides the durability you would commonly expect from other materials, being soft to the touch.
Heat-resistant kitchen designs
The hot summer trend isn’t over; we’re likely to go through warmer and warmer summers over the coming decades. For this reason, many homeowners are looking for heat-resistant kitchen designs since this room is the top emitter of heat in the house. A heat-protected kitchen is crucial for homes facing the south or west, where the space is exposed to sunlight for the better part of the day.
The best kitchen design that permits air circulation is an open-plan space. This strategy will ensure your cooking area won’t get insupportably hot or stuffy, allowing you to install ventilation in a practical spot should you get air conditioning or other cooling devices. Cooker hoods, for instance, will assist in enhancing air ventilation. And when you’re choosing your countertops and cabinets, make sure to opt for lighter and brighter colours as they resist heat, make your room look more spacious, and add an airy touch to it.
Depending on your chosen furniture, you should create a scheme that permits enough space so you don’t have to worry about clutter and mess. Kitchen items and food occupy plenty of room, but using some tall kitchen corner units allows you to easily store anything you want, maximising the space and your kitchen’s functionality. The last thing you want is an overly cluttered kitchen that feels closed in and is challenging to clean, so make sure you prioritise your area’s practicability.
A list of hacks
Here are some easy tricks to fight the heat when you can’t rely on air conditioning.
Use fans to their full potential. When enduring heat waves, any electric fan can be a great relief. Ensure your ceiling fan is adjusted to rotate counterclockwise so the blades can push air downward and create a chilly breeze. Ceiling fans are intended for people instead of rooms, so be careful to turn them off when you leave the room.
Position standing fans right. To get the most airflow from your floor-standing fan, point it in the right direction. The corners of the rooms are the best places, ensuring that more space can be evenly covered. Also, choose a location without any substantial furniture that could block the air flow.
Get insulated window films. Window insulation is excellent at preventing heat from coming in. It oppresses excessive heat gain by sending it back to its source, blocking UV rays from entering the house. There are also other advantages to using these extra layers, like reducing electricity fees and boosting privacy while permitting you to take in the view and sunlight from outside.
Switch off appliances and lights. Even when your devices are not in use, they can still give ooff significant heat. Even plugged chargers may radiate heat. Create a habit of switching game consoles, TVs, computers and any other appliances you’re not using so the room gets breezier. Lightbulbs are also heat producers, with some being more impactful in this regard. LED bulbs are better at preventing heat and also reduce your electricity bills.
Summers are only getting hotter, but with several long-term improvements, you can create an oasis of comfort in your home without relying on air-conditioning
Andrew Ellis is the ‘hands-on’ webmaster, content curator and Captain of the good ship Poshh Living. Father of one and master of none. Fitness, health and of course home improvement are Andrew’s key areas of expertise. Andrew has worked in many roles, from product designer to purchaser, for spa products, garden furniture and tech. Andrew is a really well-respected voice within these business circles
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