Affordable cooling tips for rental properties

Although the UK is often known for its lack of sunshine and consistently cold, wet weather, it does occasionally enjoy heatwaves and warm summer days — if we're lucky. So when these days do evenetually roll around, we often lack knowledge on how to keep ourselves cool , let alone keep our property cool. 

For some, staying cool is relatively simple — especially for homeowners, who can install high-tech gadgets such as air conditioning. However, for the roughly 40% of UK residents who rent their homes, staying cool can be more challenging. That’s why this blog has been put together — to share a few practical tips to help everyone stay comfortable during hot weather, regardless of their living situation.

The first and foremost tip is to keep windows and curtains closed in any rooms where sunlight enters directly. While it may seem counterintuitive — as many believe that opening windows helps cool the home — doing so can actually let in hot air and intensify the heat indoors. This effect is similar to what’s known as the greenhouse effect, where heat becomes trapped and the indoor temperature rises rather than falls. However, if you have windows that are out of direct sunlight, you should open them to allow hot air to escape and improve ventilation throughout the property.

Secondly, to help remove hot air without the use of an air conditioning unit, you can create your own effective cooling system. Simply place a bowl of ice — or even a frozen water bottle — in front of a fan. As the fan blows air over the ice, it circulates cooler air throughout your home, helping to lower the overall temperature.

Any appliance in your home can generate heat, whether it’s in use or simply left on. Over time, this added heat can contribute to a rise in the overall temperature of your home. To help keep things cooler, it’s a good idea to switch off as many electrical appliances as possible when they’re not needed.

You can also find multi-purpose light bulbs that have small built-in fans. These bulbs are easy to screw into a standard light fixture and can be just as easily removed when they’re no longer needed. They're a convenient, temporary solution — and, like the window covers, they’re widely available on various websites.

The final tip is to consider making a small investment in heat-reflective window covers. These covers reflect sunlight, helping to reduce the amount of heat that enters your home. They’re non-permanent and easy to install, making them ideal for rental properties. You can find them on a variety of websites at affordable prices.