Searches for air conditioners shot up by 1,220% during the last heatwave, so get ahead of the rush by shopping these cooling home buys now before the next one hits
Just when we’d all started sleeping under our summer duvets again, forecasters are warning another heatwave could be on the way. And if the last spell of scorching weather taught us anything, it’s that leaving your shopping until temperatures climb past 30°C is a recipe for disappointment.
During the previous heatwave, Wayfair reported searches for portable air conditioning units soared by an incredible 1,220%, while searches for fans jumped by 528% in just one week as we all desperately tried to get our hands on home cooling tech.
I don’t know about you, but this time around, I’m getting organised early. From portable air conditioners that are still available to cooling bedding that’ll help you sleep, these are the seven buys I’d order now – plus the simple tricks experts swear by for keeping your home cool.
Portable AC unit
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If you only buy one thing before temperatures climb, make it this. Unlike a fan, a portable air conditioner actually cools the room rather than simply circulating warm air, making it well worth the investment if you struggle in the heat.
SHOP: 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Cooling & Heating with Wifi & Remote, £669.99 at Wayfair
Most ACs are still out of stock, since we’ve all been scrambling to get our hands on one since the last heatwave, but a select few are now open for pre-ordering for August. This model on Wayfair is our top pick. Boasting a class A energy rating and eco-friendly R290 refrigerant, it won’t cost as much to run as others. Plus, in the winter, you can also use it as a heater – so it’s a year round investment.
Over on Amazon, the 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for £135.88 is back in stock for the moment and available to ship within five days. It may not cool the room as quickly as the above model, but it’s a good budget buy that comes complete with a window mounting kit, venting hose and extraction duct.
A good quality fan
Not all fans are created equal. Tower fans tend to be quieter and take up less floor space, while air circulators help move cool air around the whole room, which is what you ideally want when it feels like you’re just lying in stagnant heat.
SHOP: Russell Hobbs Rhbhc2030w Bladeless Heat And Cool Fan, £139.99
You could liken this to a Dyson, but it’s also a third of the price. This went out of stock fast during the last heatwave, but it’s back and available to buy. Choose from 9 speed settings, from a gentle whisper to a powerful blast. The oscillation feature also spreads the air evenly throughout your space, so you feel comfortable in no time.
TOP TIP: “Position fans near windows or doorways to help circulate cooler air throughout your home. For an extra cooling effect, place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to create a refreshing breeze,” advises Wayfair.co.uk’s Resident Style Advisor, Art Director Olivia Sauerwein.
Breathable bedding
Sleeping is often the hardest part of a heatwave. Swapping heavy duvets for lightweight cotton or bamboo bedding and cooling pillows can make a huge difference.
SHOP: M&S Stay Cool Lyocell Rich Bedding Set, from £45
With lyocell-rich fabric, this bedding bundle combines natural breathability with a smooth,
fluid feel. Meanwhile, Bedsure’s Rayon Derived from Bamboo Duvet Cover Set, from £29.99, is made from 100% rayon derived from bamboo. This silky set offers enhanced breathability and reduced nighttime humidity compared with traditional cotton.
Blackout curtains
One of the easiest ways to stop your home from heating up is to keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day, especially in south-facing rooms. But your choice of curtains also really makes a difference.
Olivia expands: “Blackout curtains aren’t just for winter. They can help block direct sunlight and reduce heat build-up indoors, particularly in south-facing rooms that receive sunlight throughout the day.”
SHOP: Solar Blackout Eyelet Curtains, from £35 at Dunelm
Shop them in four different colours to suit your room, the blackout coating keeps out external light, while the thermal properties help to regulate room temperature.
Freezable accessories
Ice cube trays, cooling towels and freezer packs might not be the most glamorous of buys, but they’re often the first things to disappear once a heatwave begins, so pick them up now to avoid a last-minute doomscroll.
SHOP: Hilph Foot Ice Pack Slippers, £22.90 at Amazon
Sometimes simply cooling your feet can help reduce your core body temperature, so having a pack of these ready to wear is a godsend. Plus, it’s got thousands of five-star reviews from customers struggling in the heat.
Can you also pop YUYU’s Ice Pulse Wrist Cooler, £27, in the freezer for when you get desperate. Worn like a wristband, it’s filled with water, popped in the freezer, and delivers a gentle cooling sensation designed to help regulate your body temperature by cooling the blood flowing through your wrist.
