Although Cheltenham might not be known for its sizzling beaches and tropical climate, the town does have an average temperature of 22C over the summer months, which can feel quite warm.
Combine this with Cheltenham’s average annual humidity of 84.25% – Sheffield’s is 79% and London can only manage 79.6% – you might have some uncomfortably sweaty days.
It’s a well-known fact that British houses were designed and built for cold and rain. If you own your home, you can install aircon, plant trees, add insulation or even an extra window, but if you’re renting, what can you do to stay cool over the summer?
We have some useful tips to help you to keep your rental home – and yourselves – comfortably cool while the mercury rises.
Close your windows and curtains
This might seem surprising, but it works. You might think opening windows and curtains will let cool air through, but in fact you’re letting hot air in and, even worse, creating a greenhouse effect.
Keep curtains closed in southerly-facing windows, as well as bedrooms, during the day so that they stay cool for when you need them.
Open some doors and windows
Not all doors and windows are equal. If you have a northerly-facing window which doesn’t get much sun, or one which is overshadowed by trees, then warm air inside your home will rush out into it, cooling the place down a bit.
Turn off as many electrical appliances as you can
Games consoles, ovens, toasters, air fryers, dishwashers and the like all generate heat. If you can do without them for a few days, or wait for night time, then do so. If you use a tumble dryer, either switch to line drying (if you can) or use a cooler setting.
Don’t bother cooking
Who wants to slave over a hot stove when you could have a salad instead? That’s what summer is for, after all!
Change your bedding
One of the worst things about summer is being unable to sleep in a hot room, under a hot duvet. If you’ve managed to keep your bedrooms cool, then go one further and use lightweight cotton sheets and/or loose-weave blankets on your beds.
Improvise your aircon
A bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of a fan sends cooled air into the room. You can also place these frozen bottles in front of a slightly-opened window if you don’t have a fan.
Drink lots of water
This won’t lower the temperature around you, but it’ll stop you from becoming dehydrated and sluggish so you can enjoy the summer to its fullest.
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