27 June 2024 , 08:39
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When the temperature starts climbing, one of the first things Brits reach for is an electric fan. The site of them whirring away in homes and businesses across the country is a common one.
However, in an unusual twist, experts are urging us not to use the cheap and convenient devices to stay cool - and the reason why might surprise you. UK homes tend to be designed to stay warm rather than cold.
Our position towards the north of Europe means we have a wet climate, with cold winters. Our homes are designed to keep heat in, using heavy-duty bricks, insulation, double or even triple glazing, and thick roof tiles to keep as much of the heat inside as possible.
It works during winter, but does leave us sweltering during the summers - which are becoming warmer due to climate change. And currently it is warm in the UK - very warm.
Wednesday was the hottest day of the year so far, with 30.3C (86.5F) recorded at Heathrow, the Met Office has confirmed. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health alerts across most of England, while NHS leaders warn of 'major disruption' due to the heatwave.
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So why would using a fan not help during the hot weather? Fans don’t actually cool down the room, they simply move the air around. So although you might feel a bit better with one in your face, the room is just as hot as it was before and it could actually lull you into a false sense of security if you use a fan instead of staying hydrated or cooling the room properly.
You might think that opening windows is the answer, but even that is not necessarily the case. James Longley, managing director at Utility Bidder, explained. He said: “UK residents may be partial to opening all windows once temperatures reflect summer averages.
"However, the more windows left open, the more hot air from the outdoors that can enter your home. Just like in winter cross-ventilation is key, and we advise opening different windows around the house in small doses which will let any breeze flow through. Also, the later at night it is, the more windows you can then open ready for a cooled home to wake up in.
“It is also important to note that lowering your thermostat drastically doesn’t cool your home faster. Air conditioning units won’t typically operate at a consistent pace and lowering your thermostat as low as possible will just mean it is working for longer. Instead, you should gradually lower the temperature in small bursts until you hit the sweet spot you want.
“There are plenty of alternative solutions to cool homes this summer. Closing all windows and blinds during the day can be advantageous in some cases, before having window outlets open through the night as previously mentioned. We’d also suggest that having a BBQ and making the most of the sun would bode well, to avoid the use of an oven or hob that creates extra heat in living areas indoors.
“There are other long-term solutions that can help cool your home, and although costly, many are worth considering. These include installing more energy-efficient windows or waving a new air conditioning system fitted to suit the modern home.”
The Government website states: "Climate change is already causing warmer temperatures in the UK. All of the warmest years on record in the UK have occurred since 2002, and in July 2022 temperatures exceeded 40°C for the first time on record. It is estimated that 2,803 people aged 65 years and over died due to the heat in England in 2022, and it is predicted that the number of heat-related deaths per year may triple by 2050.
"Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases. Older people, babies and young children are more likely to be unwell from hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature. People with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.
"Many of the harms linked to heat exposure are preventable if a few simple actions are taken. During the summer, UKHSA will work with the Met Office to issue alerts alongside the weather forecast if the weather is so hot that it has the potential to affect people’s health, and will help you to take steps to protect yourself and others."