Keeping UK homes cool in a warming world: passive cooling tips and retrofit strategies for heatwaves

A new article from the Cambridge Independent explores how UK homes can stay cool during heatwaves without relying on air conditioning. The piece highlights the 'block then ventilate' strategy: closing windows and curtains during the day to prevent heat buildup, then opening them at night to cool down. For households that cannot open windows at night due to pollen allergies or security concerns, the article recommends stronger passive measures like external shutters and blinds. The article notes that blocking heat outside a building can be up to four times more effective than blocking it from inside the glazing. It also points out that many UK homes were not designed for longer, more intense heatwaves, and that winter retrofit measures like insulation can also help keep homes cool in summer. The cooling hierarchy prioritizes heat reduction first, then ventilation, with air conditioning as a last resort.