A simple item can have a surprisingly effective cooling effect on hot nights
Temperatures across the UK have been scorching once again, with the heat set to persist from Monday, as the Met Office predicts highs of 34C or above in certain parts of the country. An amber extreme heat warning will come into effect across much of southern England and south-eastern Wales from 1am on Monday until 23.59pm on Tuesday, with the Met Office cautioning that the sweltering conditions could trigger serious health impacts, travel disruption and potential power outages.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Greg Wolverson said: “Temperatures will peak around the mid-30s Celsius on Monday and Tuesday. The humidity will also mean this feels close, warmer and more uncomfortable for many. Tropical nights – where the temperature doesn’t drop below 20C are also likely for some.”
With the muggy, sweltering weather expected to stretch into next week, many households face another run of unbearably hot nights as they struggle to keep their homes cool.
The vast majority of homes in the UK are built to retain heat, and, for those without the luxury of air conditioning, bringing the temperature down swiftly is often far harder than it sounds. There is, however, a remarkably simple and budget-friendly fix to this problem, requiring nothing more than a common kitchen item placed on your windowsill: a bowl filled with cold water, reports the Express.
Energy experts suggest that positioning a bowl of cold water on windowsills or worktops, near an open window during warm weather, is a surprisingly efficient and inexpensive method of reducing the temperature inside a room.
This works because cold water draws in heat from the surrounding air and converts it into vapour, lowering the overall temperature. When positioned near an open window, the incoming breeze helps to circulate this cooler air throughout your home.
LEAP Energy Advice said: “Although it may seem peculiar, placing bowls of water around the house can aid in cooling the hot air. This simple technique can be surprisingly effective.”
To accelerate the cooling effect, try filling bowls with ice cubes rather than cold water, and position them in front of a fan if you have one to hand.
LEAP added: “If you need to cool down quickly, try placing a bowl of ice and cold water in front of your fan’s blades. This will cause the air blowing from the fan to pass over the icy water, creating a refreshing sensation on your skin. It’s like having a homemade, DIY air-conditioner!”.
While combining a fan with a bowl of water will deliver the best results, the water alone is still capable of bringing the temperature down — though a good breeze will certainly give things a boost. Naturally, running a fan will affect your energy bills, but it costs a fraction of what an air conditioner would set you back — which can be up to 40 times more expensive — so the reward of a pleasantly cool room is arguably well worth it.
The advice is endorsed by major energy provider British Gas as a budget-friendly method of keeping your home and yourself cool when the mercury rises.
British Gas said: “While fans aren’t the most expensive appliance to run, using one is still likely to impact your fuel bills – but there are some things you can do to get the most out of the energy you’re paying for.
“To really cool down a room with a fan, place a deep dish of ice in the front of it to whip up the water mist and chill the breeze. You can also point a box fan out of an open window in the evenings – this pushes the hot air out instead of just blowing it around the room.”
