Chris Michael, co-founder of UK air conditioning brand Meaco, has shared nine expert tips to help people stay cooler and sleep better during extreme summer weather.
Chris Michael says planning ahead is key: “Hot nights are easier to manage when you prepare during the day. The right airflow, bedding and cooling strategy can make a real difference to sleep quality.”
Here are his nine ways to stay cool – with more at Meaco.
1. Use cooler air at the right time
Open windows early in the morning and again in the evening when outdoor temperatures drop. Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day to block heat buildup indoors.
2. Keep bedding light
Switch to a lower tog duvet and breathable cotton sheets to reduce overheating overnight.
3. Stay hydrated throughout the day
Drink water regularly so your body is better able to regulate temperature at night.
4. Use fans effectively
Fans don’t lower room temperature but help air movement across the skin, improving comfort and aiding evaporation.
5. Personalise your airflow
Adjust fan settings to direct airflow where it’s needed most, rather than cooling the whole room.
6. Use night mode features
Switch off lights and sound on cooling devices to reduce sleep disturbance.
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7. Pre-cool the bedroom
On very hot nights, use portable air conditioning a few hours before bed, then switch to fan mode overnight.
8. Choose the right capacity
Ensure air conditioning units are correctly sized for the room so they can cool effectively.
9. Use energy-efficient settings
Eco modes and efficient fan speeds help reduce energy use while maintaining comfort.
How does air conditioning work?
Air conditioners work by removing heat and humidity from indoor air and transferring it outside, using a cycle of refrigerant, evaporator, compressor, and condenser to cool and dehumidify the space.
The number of UK homes keeping cool with air conditioning has doubled in three years to break the four million mark, according to research from Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service.
Portable units with power ratings around 1kW are slightly more common than the more powerful built-in versions that can guzzle 2.7kW of power – more than an electric oven.
How much does air conditioning cost?
Prices for air conditioning vary wildly, from cheaper portable units to full on units. Meaco air conditioning starts at around £300 or just over £100 for fans.
But, whichever type you choose, for many users, it’s the running costs that stack up.
Energy rates are set to rise in July, which means the cost of running appliances is going to increase. The difference between running a built-in air con on the current cheapest fixed deals and July’s predicted rates is £9 a week.
Of the four million households with air conditioning, nearly 1.9 million have built-in units with power ratings up to 2.7kW.
In a typical week, households use their units for around four hours, but when temperatures are high, they use them for just over nine hours a day, sending the cost soaring from £2.93 a week to £42.43 a week.
The 2.2 million homes with portable air conditioning units – which use 1kW of power – typically use them for around three hours a week at a cost of 83p. During hot spells, when they are used for more than nine hours a day, this bill rises to £15.71 a week.
Natalie Mathie, energy expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “The number of households with air conditioning has more than doubled in three years, and more and more homes are taking the plunge to keep cool as UK summers get hotter.
“Remember that it’s easy to build up a hefty energy bill on hot days, and there are other simple tricks you can use to keep the temperature down inside your home.
“Keeping your curtains closed during the day will stop sunlight from warming up your property, while filling a hot water bottle with cold water can help keep you cool.
“It’s important you’re not overpaying to run your devices, so make sure you’re on a decent fixed deal to keep your household running costs as low as possible.”
