Expert Advice for Keeping Your Cornwall Home Cool During a Heatwave

Scientists testing new heat-busting home tech at world’s largest climate chamber

With hotter summers becoming the norm, homeowners across Cornwall are being urged to take steps to protect their homes from overheating – and avoid restless, sweaty nights.

At the University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0, the world’s largest climate test chamber, scientists are working with housebuilder Barratt Redrow to explore how new technologies and practical solutions can help homes stay cool and comfortable as temperatures continue to rise.

Why overheating matters

“Even during cooler summers, there’s an increasing risk of overheating, which has a detrimental effect on wellbeing,” said Oliver Novakovic, Head of Innovation at Barratt Redrow. “The country is seeing more frequent and intense weather extremes due to climate change. We’re working with the University of Salford to test new technologies alongside simple methods of reducing overheating and improving air quality, so the homes that are built in the next ten or even 50 years can cope with rising temperatures.”

To help homeowners across Cornwall keep their homes cool this summer, Oliver has shared seven expert tips that could make a real difference.

1. Keep curtains and windows closed during the day

It may feel instinctive to open the windows for fresh air, but keeping them closed during the hottest part of the day is more effective – especially on south-facing windows that get direct sun.

Close your curtains and windows when the sun is strongest, then open them in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. For best results, open windows on opposite sides of the house to let fresh air flow through.

At Energy House 2.0, scientists are trialling a smart home system called Loxone, which detects when the temperature is rising and automatically closes curtains and blinds while switching on a mechanical ventilation system.

2. Open the loft hatch

As heat rises, it can get trapped upstairs –  right where you’re trying to sleep. Opening your loft hatch allows hot air to escape upwards and out of your living space.

3. Turn off electricals

Devices like TVs, computers, gaming consoles, and even phone chargers give off heat. Turning them off when not in use won’t just save energy – it can also keep your house cooler.

The same goes for large appliances like washing machines, ovens, and dishwashers. Try to use them during cooler times of day, such as early morning or evening.

4. Switch to LED lightbulbs

Traditional light bulbs give off 90% of their energy as heat. Swapping them out for LED alternatives can help reduce a room’s ambient temperature and lower your electricity bill.

Better still, switch off unnecessary lights altogether during a heatwave.

5. Use fans smartly

Ceiling fans create a wind chill effect by moving air across your skin – they don’t cool the air, but they make you feel cooler.

Freestanding fans can also be used strategically. According to the Energy Saving Trust, they cost between 20p and 40p for 24-hour use. Place a fan near an open window in the evening to help draw cooler outside air into the room.

6. Invest in mechanical ventilation

While not the same as air conditioning, mechanical ventilation systems can help keep homes cooler and improve air quality. They’re quieter and lower carbon, too.

At Energy House 2.0, two systems are being tested:

• Vent-Axia Multivent, a centralised ventilation system

• Vent-Axia Sentinel Kinetic Advance, a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system that supplies fresh air to living spaces while extracting air from humid areas like bathrooms

These systems come with smart controls that let users switch between modes based on their needs.

7. Add greenery – indoors and out

Planting shrubs and greenery around your home helps cool the exterior and improves drainage, reducing the risk of flooding.

Inside, houseplants like peace lilies, spider plants and snake plants can help cool the air through a process called transpiration. It’s good for your home and for Cornwall’s wildlife.

Cornwall homes already taking the lead

Barratt Homes are currently building high-quality and energy efficient homes across Cornwall, including at Pen Bethan in Falmouth and Treledan in Saltash. Wherever you are in your new home journey, Barratt Homes is here to support you and offers a range of schemes including Part Exchange Guarantee and the Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme.