When it is too hot in your flat

The weather outside is getting lovelier and temperatures are rising. It may not be a heatwave yet, but you never know when the first summer days will settle in for good. Of course we all love it when it is warm, but too high a temperature takes its toll. The best refuge from overly intense sun may turn out to be your own flat. But what if it is sultry at home too and you can hardly breathe? Here are a few simple ways to cool your home in summer.

Air conditioning

Air conditioning might seem the simplest way to cool the interior of a property. Unfortunately, it is not one of the cheapest solutions, and in addition you need permission from the housing cooperative or the homeowners' association to install it. If we live in a historic tenement house, the consent of the conservator of monuments is also required. Moreover, air conditioning, despite its effectiveness, has a negative effect on skin and hair, and increases the risk of catching colds. It is worth bearing this in mind, especially if we have children.

Fans

Fans are a good alternative to air conditioning. From mini versions that we can drop into a handbag and take with us everywhere, through standing fans, to models suspended from the ceiling, the choice is really wide and it is up to us what we go for. For fans to do their job, however, remember to ensure proper air circulation in the flat. That is why, however hot it is outside, you should open a window in the room where the fan is running. A good tip for getting a cool breeze is to place a frozen bottle of water in front of the fan.

Open the windows

The heat outdoors may discourage you from opening windows, but this is the only way to create air movement in the flat that will lower the temperature. If you are lucky enough to have a flat with windows on both sides of the block, open the windows so as to create a pleasant draught. It is also worth drawing blinds and roller shutters, which protect against the harsh sun and prevent rooms from heating up.

Avoid extra heating

Remember that all appliances in the flat generate extra energy, that is heat, thereby warming the interiors. Hot days are therefore the perfect excuse to order dinner delivered to your home, to avoid cooking. Also avoid excessive use of electronic devices such as laptops, computers or televisions, which will raise the temperature further.

How a flat behaves at higher temperatures is an often overlooked matter when buying or renting a property. A pity, because our comfort for 2 – 3 months of the year depends on it. Before buying or renting a flat, let us therefore ask whether the premises tend to overheat, or whether, on the contrary, they will treat us to a pleasant coolness when we need it.