Summer sunshine can be glorious, but it can also turn your home into a furnace. The good news is you might already have the key to a cooler living space – your windows! But when it comes to opening windows in summer, timing is everything. Here’s how to use your windows strategically to keep your home refreshingly cool without relying solely on air-conditioning.
The outside air matters
While there’s no magic formula, a general rule of thumb is to keep your windows closed when the outside temperature climbs above 23°C. Why? Because at this point, there is loads of hotter air and the outside air is likely warmer than your indoor environment and you do not want to let high humidity levels inside. Keeping windows shut prevents this heat transfer, maintaining a cooler indoor space.
Fresh air for thought
However, fresh air is still important! To maximise the cooling effect, consider the time of day. Opening your windows during the hottest parts of the day is not advised. The best times to open windows are typically in the early morning and late evening, when the outside air is cooler. It is a good idea to aim to open windows first thing in the morning and after 5pm to let in that refreshing cool air and close windows in between to keep warm air out.
Creating a cool breeze
During these cooler periods, a breezy warm day can be your friend. The best thing is to open windows on opposite sides of your home, both upstairs, on the ground floor and any conservatory windows, to encourage airflow and natural ventilation to decrease the stale air in your home. This simple technique can significantly lower the overall temperature without relying on energy-intensive methods.
The position of your windows
You can also use the position of your windows to your advantage. South facing windows get a full blast of sunshine all day long. During peak heat hours (typically 11am to 4pm), think of them as heat magnets. Keep them closed and blinds shut to block scorching rays and prevent your home from turning into a furnace.
North-facing windows receive less direct sunlight, making them perfect for capturing cool breezes. These are your best friends on a hot day! Keep them open throughout the day, especially in the evenings, to create a refreshing cross breeze that chases away stale air.
Embrace the gentle morning sun by opening your east-facing windows in the early hours. Enjoy that burst of sunshine to wake up your home naturally. However, as the day progresses and the sun gets higher in the sky, consider closing them to prevent the afternoon heat from intensifying.
Like south-facing windows, west-facing ones receive strong afternoon sun. Think of them as summertime sunset spotlights. During the hottest part of the day, keep these windows closed and blinds shut to block out the intense heat and maintain a cooler indoor temperature.
Sun’s out, blinds down
Once the temperature rises and you’ve closed your windows, don’t forget about blinds and curtains. Keeping them shut during the hottest part of the day is a great way to block out direct sunlight and prevent heat build-up inside. This age-old practice, common in warmer climates than in the UK, is a simple yet effective way to keep your home cool.
Innovation for advanced cooling
For those looking to elevate their cooling strategy, consider windows with solar control glass. This innovative glazing reflects a significant portion of the sun’s rays while still allowing natural light to filter through. It’s a fantastic way to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without relying solely on opening windows or cranking up the AC.
Understand your home
While these guidelines are helpful, it’s essential to consider your home’s unique characteristics. Factors like insulation, orientation, and the surrounding landscape can all affect how quickly your house heats up or cools down. On a hot day, if the air feels cooler inside than outside, keep those windows closed! This preserves the pleasant indoor temperature, making your home a cool oasis.
Remember, managing your windows is just one piece of the puzzle. Combining this strategy with other methods like using fans, air conditioning and opening doors strategically, you can create a comfortable haven in your home, even during a summer heatwave. So, next time you’re battling the hot weather, remember, the answer to a cooler living space might just be a matter of knowing when to open windows in summer.
How can FineLine help?
Following these tips is the best way to make sure your home is well-equipped to handle whatever the summer sun throws your way and is a better strategy for keeping your house cool. For modern-performing replacement windows, contact our friendly team for more information.
