It often feels like there is a need to warm our homes while worrying about heating bills; however, an overheated house is uncomfortable, particularly in the summer. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to prevent this from happening.
Causes of overheating
Sun hitting a window will cause the inside to warm. With an increasing trend for lots of glass to be used in buildings to let in natural light, this can result in the building developing a greenhouse-type environment. If the indoor temperature reaches over 26°C, it will feel uncomfortable; if it reaches over 35°C, it becomes dangerous. The NHS has good advice if you think you have symptoms of heatstroke, such as dizziness and pale and clammy skin.
The problem is more acute in large cities, such as Manchester or London, as the taller buildings and fewer green spaces make it harder for the area to cool.
Five ways to prevent overheating
1. Limit the window size. With less glass, you reduce the risk of your home developing a greenhouse level of temperature.
2. Use brise soleil. This involves blades made from aluminium, timber, or an array of other materials that regulate the amount of sunlight entering, particularly during the hottest parts of the day. This simple but effective way to prevent overheating is available from companies such as https://alusystems.uk/brise-soleil-solar-shading/.
3. External shutters or blinds provide a flexible way to regulate the temperature, as they can be opened to allow in more heat and light and closed to reduce the temperature.
4. Air-conditioning is highly effective at cooling a building to a comfortable temperature; however, it is costly and will increase your carbon footprint.
- Solar glass has a specialist metallic coating that lets in natural light but does not let in so much heat.Climate change may mean that an overheated home becomes more of a problem in the future, with all the physical and mental health challenges this will bring. By considering an effective way to prevent your home from overheating, you can prepare for the future.