With summer now in full swing, heatwave season is upon us. Safety is paramount at this time of year, as extreme weather can threaten not only your health but your home too.
We understand that it can be challenging to keep your property cool – especially with a lack of air conditioning in many UK properties. So, what are the best ways to look after your property in the summer?
To help you enjoy a stress-free summer, read on for the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions…
Should I keep my windows open?
When the heat is stifling, leaving your windows open all day seems logical to let the breeze in. However, having your windows open has been proven to make your house hotter during the day. We’d recommend that you only open your windows early in the morning and late at night when the temperature has cooled significantly. It’s best to block the sun rays out throughout the day by keeping your blinds and curtains closed – blackout curtains work a treat.
How can I best ventilate my house?
If you’re using downstairs rooms on a hot day, you can increase ventilation by keeping the door open and using a fan to allow air to circulate. Strategically placing your fan near the air source can support cross-ventilation, and keeping interior doors open will ensure this air flows around you.
If you’re in the habit of splurging on house plants, you’ll be pleased to know that indoor plants like snake plants and peace lilies will help cool the air in your house naturally – so buy away!
How can I keep the kitchen cool when cooking?
Although we appreciate that this might not always be possible, we’d recommend avoiding using the hob or oven during hotter weather periods and keeping all appliances turned off when they’re not in use. These appliances will unnecessarily heat your kitchen, so if you need to use them, keep the doors shut to other rooms in the house. This also gives you a good excuse to fire up the BBQ.
What about insulation?
While insulation is typically known to keep houses warm during the winter, installing good insulation can also help keep heat out in the summer. By preventing the passage of heat (generally through walls or lofts), insulation works both ways – in summer, it will help to maintain the internal temperature of your house and keep it cooler.
How can we help you?
At SBA Property Management, we work closely with our leaseholders to ensure they and their tenants are getting the best out of their property – be it by providing an out-of-hours service enabling them access to maintenance support whenever necessary or installing the latest technologies to help them optimise temperatures and energy efficiency in their property. To find out how we can help you, visit: https://sbaproperty.com/block-management/.