As 90 million people across Europe continue to swelter in a record-breaking summer heatwave, many Brits are searching for practical ways to beat the heat

12:36, Thu, Jun 25, 2026 Updated: 12:36, Thu, Jun 25, 2026

Tired exhausted African American woman suffering from heat during summer season, sitting in front of electric fan, living in apa

The UK has seen its hottest June temperatures on record (stock) (Image: MementoJpeg via Getty Images)

An item many of us already have in the garden could help cool your home during soaring summer temperatures, an expert has claimed. With 90 million people across Europe continuing to swelter in a record-breaking summer heatwave, Brits are searching for effective ways to keep cool.

Yesterday (Wednesday, June 24), the UK experienced its hottest June temperatures on record, with Hampshire reaching a brain-melting 36.1C and hundreds of schools shutting their doors. The Met Office has predicted highs of at least 38C today, with red extreme heat warnings in force.

Get the day's biggest headlines in UK and World news and more Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Much of Britain's infrastructure simply isn't designed for such extreme heat, prompting many to resort to fans and probably lamenting the absence of air conditioning in UK homes - but one heating expert suggests a straightforward hack could provide relief.

A close-up view of a sloped rooftop covered in weathered red tiles, featuring two rectangular skylights and a central chimney.

Much of the UK’s infrastructure simply isn’t built for extreme heat (stock) (Image: Getty Images)

Adam Chapman, founder of the home-heating resource Heat Geek, demonstrated the technique in a 2024 YouTube video, where he outlined 17 tips for maintaining cooler homes.

He said: "I'm just watering our roof, which is actually tip number two - spray down your roof tiles. Roof tiles absorb heat then radiate it back down into the house. If you can cool off those tiles, you're also cooling down the house."

It's worth noting that the hack won't be suitable for everyone, particularly if you can't safely spray your roof or you're under a hosepipe ban (such as in Kent), but it could be another option for people looking to stay cool.

Earlier this week, reports emerged sharing other cooling methods. The recommendations included keeping blinds, curtains, and shutters closed throughout the day, and throwing open windows once temperatures drop in the evenings.

Regarding the first suggestion, home experts at Country Living say: "Do this early on in the day, long before temperatures peak. You may also wish to consider using a reflective surface at windows, such as a reflective window film, external foil screens or budget-friendly tin foil, to bounce the heat away."

close up water from the hose

One heating expert says a simple hack could help (stock) (Image: Getty Images)

On the latter point, they added: "While you seal everything shut during the day, these are the times to fling open the window (and doors when awake), especially those upstairs, to flush out the hot air and let in the cool air."

Meanwhile, the Red Cross suggests focusing on cooling one room. It says: "Keep windows covered and shut and close doors to stop warm air entering."

It added: "Try to avoid, or spend as little time in as possible, rooms that will be hard to keep cool, like a kitchen where heat is generated by appliances and cooking devices, or rooms with large windows where the sun is shining."

As for fan use, consumer watchdog watchdog Which? suggested not turning it on unless you're in the room, placing your fan by your window if it's cooler outside than in, and placing a bowl or glass of ice under your fan.