How to Stay Cool in a Summer Heatwave

Top Tips to Stay Cool During a Heatwave

When temperatures soar, keeping cool becomes more than just a comfort. It’s essential for your health and well-being. Whether you're working outdoors, hosting an event, or trying to sleep through a sticky summer night, a heatwave can really take its toll.

Here are some practical tips to help you stay cool, and how Speedy Hire can help with high-performance cooling equipment for homes, businesses, events, and worksites across the UK.

 

Tip 1: Air condition your home

Most of us would think of opting for a fan to cool us down in summer. However, an air conditioner is better than a fan in so many ways.

Firstly, fans blow cold air into the room. We will usually set them up to blow this air at our skin, promoting moisture evaporation. We feel the benefit, but often find the room as a whole is still warm. This is because a fan doesn’t remove the warm air.

An air conditioner unit, however, pulls in hot air, which is then cooled down by the evaporation process inside the appliance. Hot air is cooled by the condenser before being released back into the room. You will feel the room cool down, as well as yourself.

Humidity, which is what makes us feel hot and sticky, will also decrease, so you will immediately feel a difference. If it is really humid, fans don’t work well, because sweat doesn’t evaporate quite as fast as it would in non-humid environments.

It is better for your health to use an air conditioner. Fans speed up the rate moisture evaporates from your skin, increasing the risk of dehydration.

If you’re concerned, read our blog on how to get the most out of your air conditioner.

 

Tip 2: Stay hydrated

This one’s simple but critical. Dehydration is a real danger during a heatwave. Keep a reusable bottle nearby and top it up regularly. If you're working outdoors, aim to drink at least one glass of water every hour.

Fizzy carbonated drinks can contain between 85% and 99% water, so they can help with hydration, which is good if you find these easier to drink than water. But do be careful about the high caffeine and sugar contents, which can be dehydrating if consumed in high amounts.

Isotonic sports drinks are a great option, as they replenish lost salts, sugars, and fluids. Avoid excess alcohol, and also limit hot caffeinated drinks. Always take water with you if you’re out. Add cucumber, lemon, or mint to your water for a cooling boost.

 

Tip 3: Stay out of the midday sun

The hottest part of the day is between 11 am and 3 pm. Avoid going outside at this time. Ensure your home has cooled down enough to be able to comfortably cope, especially if the sun comes through your windows.

If you’re on a construction site or doing heavy-duty outdoor work, high heat can be dangerous. But it is hard to balance getting the job done and staying safe. Here’s how:

• Take regular shaded breaks
• Wear light, breathable PPE
• Use cooling gear like portable misting fans or ventilated fans
• Keep your team stocked with water and electrolytes

 

Tip 4: Wear loose clothing

Direct sunlight heats the blood vessels in your skin. This increases your overall core temperature. Loose, long-sleeved clothing can help reduce the likelihood of this happening, as your skin doesn’t come into contact with the sun's rays.

Covering up as much as possible also helps protect the skin against sunburn. If clothing is loose, sweat is also more likely to evaporate, making you less likely to feel hot and humid and reducing your body temperature.

Opt for a material such as cotton, which is lightweight, and light colours will be less likely to hold the heat. Young children particularly need baggy clothing, as they have a higher blood vessel-to-skin ratio.

 

Tip 5: Cool the room

Keeping the room cool will make it easier for you to stay cool, as well. Whether you're at home, working in an office, or in site accommodation, ensure a good setup to block out heat.

• Close blinds or curtains during the day to block direct sunlight
• Open windows in the early morning and late evening
• Use reflective window film or temporary blackout sheets

 

Tip 6: Create a cool sleep environment

Switch to cotton or linen sheets, and freeze a hot water bottle and pop it in bed before heading up for the night.

Use a fan near the foot of your bed to draw heat away, and avoid heavy meals and alcohol before bedtime—they raise your body temperature.

 

The signs of heat-related illness

Unfortunately, heat exhaustion and heat stroke affect hundreds of people every year in the UK, especially older people. So, if you are preparing for the high-temperature weather, here are some symptoms of heat-related issues which you need to be aware of:

• Heavy sweating
• Difficulty breathing
• A fast or weak pulse
• Cold, pale, clammy skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Headaches
• Dizziness and fainting
• Stumbling, confusion, and low coordination

If you do experience these symptoms, sip plenty of water, move to the coolest part of your home, change into loose clothes and place cold cloths on your body. It is also important to sit or lie down.

Should symptoms continue, or if you are concerned about an elderly/young relative, seek medical attention. If you experience vomiting or symptoms last for longer than an hour, emergency attention will be needed.

 

IS THERE AIR CONDITIONER HIRE NEAR ME?

Heatwaves are becoming more common in the UK, but with the right strategy (and equipment!), you can stay cool, comfortable, and safe. Whether it’s chilling your home office or keeping a marquee full of guests refreshed, a bit of preparation goes a long way.

Speedy Hire, the UK's leading tool hire company, have a range of air conditioning units for hire nationwide. Speedy has more than 200 service centres across the nation, and nationwide 4-hour delivery.

You’ll find all the tools you need right here. Why not start planning your next DIY project and open a Speedy account today online or visit us in-store?