All Brits ‘keep windows shut’ between 9am and 8pm – government advice

All alerts will remain in place until Friday, June 26. As temperatures rise, people will be trying to keep themselves and their homes cool.

Should Brits keep windows and curtains open or closed during a heatwave?

According to the government, and experts at Which?, The UK’s consumer champion, people should keep their windows, curtains and blinds closed between the hours of 9am and 8pm.

This is particularly important when the temperature outside is warmer than the temperature inside the room.

Closing windows and blinds that are exposed to direct sunlight during the day helps rooms stay cooler as it acts as a shield against solar radiation and hot air.

Which? also recommends people opening their curtains and blinds overnight, after 9pm, if they can cope with external noise.

How else can I keep my home cool?

The government also has a number of other methods they reccomend to Brits trying to cool their homes down this summer.

They said: “Open windows, if it is safe to, when the air feels cooler outside than inside, for example at night, and try to get air flowing through your home, use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, but do not aim the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration.”

They added: “Turn off lights and electrical equipment that are not in use and go outside if it is cooler outside in the shade.”