How to keep your home cool this summer

When the temperature climbs, the temptation is to crank up the fans, throw open the freezer for a blast of cold air, and dream about installing aircon. But cooling your home in summer doesn't have to mean a shock when your next energy bill lands. At BIG Warranties, we know how important it is to keep your home comfortable and your costs down - especially during the warmer months when appliances are working harder than ever.

In this blog, we've rounded up some practical, energy-efficient ways to keep your home cool this summer, without cranking the energy bill.

1. Fans vs aircon: which is actually cheaper?

It's the question on everyone's mind during a heatwave - is it time to invest in air conditioning? The short answer: probably not. A standard pedestal or tower fan typically costs just pennies to run for several hours, while a portable air conditioning unit can cost considerably more per hour to run, depending on the model and your energy tariff.

For most UK homes, a well-placed fan does the job perfectly well. Position it near an open window in the cooler parts of the day to draw fresh air in, or place a bowl of ice in front of it for a cheap DIY cooling boost. If you do invest in aircon, look for energy-efficient models with a high energy rating, and only run it in the rooms you're actually using.

2. Get your fridge freezer working smarter

Your fridge freezer works harder in summer than at any other time of year. Warmer kitchens, more frequent door openings, and a fridge full of cold drinks all put extra strain on the cooling system — which means higher energy bills if you're not careful.

A few small habits can make a big difference:

• Keep the door closed as much as possible and decide what you need before opening it
• Don't overpack the fridge - air needs to circulate to keep things cool efficiently
• Make sure the door seals are clean and intact, so cold air isn't escaping
• Keep your fridge freezer away from direct sunlight, the oven, or other heat sources
• Set the right temperature - 3-5°C for the fridge, -18°C for the freezer

3. Close curtains and blinds during the day

It sounds counter-intuitive on a sunny day, but closing your curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day is one of the easiest ways to keep your home cool. South-facing rooms in particular can heat up fast, and once the warmth is in, it's hard to shift.

Light-coloured curtains, blackout blinds, and thermal linings all help reflect heat back outside. Open them again in the evening once the temperature drops to let cooler air in.

4. Cook smarter when it's hot

Using the oven or hob on a hot day can turn your kitchen into a sauna and force your fridge freezer to work even harder to stay cool. Where possible, switch to appliances that generate less heat: a microwave, slow cooker, or air fryer all use less energy and keep your kitchen cooler than a full oven.

Even better, take advantage of summer with cold meals, salads, and BBQs in the garden. Less heat in the kitchen means a more comfortable home and lower energy costs.

5. Unplug what you're not using

Even when they're not in active use, appliances on standby quietly draw power and generate small amounts of heat. Phone chargers, TVs, games consoles, and kitchen gadgets all add up. Unplugging what you're not using can shave a noticeable amount off your annual energy bill and reduce the ambient heat in your home.

This is especially worth doing if you're heading away on holiday. Switching things off at the wall before you leave is a simple way to save energy and reduce the risk of issues while you're gone.

6. Open windows at the right times

The key to keeping your home naturally cool is timing. Open windows early in the morning and late in the evening when the air outside is cooler, then close them (along with curtains and blinds) during the heat of the day to trap the cooler air in.

If you can create a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of your home, even better - it'll help move warm air out and cool air in without a fan running constantly.

7. Look after your boiler - even in summer

It might seem strange to think about your boiler when it's 25°C outside, but summer is actually the best time to make sure it's in good working order. Boilers that sit unused for months can develop faults that only show up when you switch them back on in autumn - by which point engineer availability is at its lowest and repair costs at their highest.

A quick summer service or check now means you'll head into the colder months with one less thing to worry about.

Stay cool with BIG Warranties

Keeping your home cool in summer doesn't have to cost the earth - but when appliances do go wrong, repair bills can add up quickly. With appliance insurance and home emergency cover from BIG Warranties, you can stay protected against unexpected breakdowns and keep your home running smoothly, whatever the weather. Get covered today!