Best way to keep a house cool in a heatwave

Here it comes, London: summer’s first heatwave (probably).

While such glorious warmth is welcome after having wished for it all year, it turns out that there can be too much of a good thing. Especially in the week or when you’re trying to sleep; those 30+ temperatures can be less of a dream and more of a living, sweaty nightmare.

With many working at home for at least part of the working week, the lack of integrated AC means we have to find other ways to keep cool. There are the obvious things, like staying hydrated and eating lighter and fresher meals to beat the 3pm slump.

Counterbalance the lack of office air-con with the fact that you can wear whatever you feel like at home: office workwear stays in the wardrobe, and breathable t-shirts, bikinis and short shorts are in (though perhaps keep a t-shirt handy for surprise Zoom calls).

Throw open the windows to let fresh air circulate around your space, and make sure ice trays are filled for a cool, refreshing drink when you need it.

When it comes to products, there are a few swaps you can make to make warm-weather living and sleeping easier.

We’ve rounded up the best options per room to help make life equal parts easy and breezy.

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Bedroom

It might be the nicest day of the year, but not if you’re a sweaty, sleep-deprived mess from the humid night before. Swap your winter duvet for a lighter low tog one, or do away with it altogether in favour of a blanket or sheet instead.

If you sleep in pyjamas, try switching to cooling, moisture-wicking fabrics like linen and cotton.

And if that is and comes with a timer, so you can drift off to sweet breezes without worrying about switching it off.