Homes will feel cooler with these three expert-backed changes

After another week of high temperatures, many households are keen to try anything that will take the edge off stifling rooms, from shifting fans around the house to keeping windows shut at the hottest points of the day.

Those quick fixes can help in the moment, but plenty of people will be wondering what they can do to stop their home from turning into an oven every time a heatwave hits. The Energy Saving Trust says there are also longer-term changes that could be worth considering now to better prepare homes for next summer.

On its advice pages, the organisation sets out three upgrades that can reduce overheating. Its suggestions focus on improving insulation, reducing heat loss through sun-facing windows, and home installations.

First on the list is topping up insulation. The Trust says insulation works much like a flask, slowing the movement of heat. That means it can help keep warmth in during winter and also limit how quickly homes heat up in summer.

Costs can vary widely depending on the type of insulation and the home itself, with options including loft or roof insulation as well as wall and floor measures. The second change is adding solar film to windows.

One solution could be adding solar film to windows (stock photo) (Image: Getty)

The Energy Saving Trust says a film applied to glass can cut the warming impact of sunlight coming through the window. It adds that homeowners dont necessarily have to do every window to see a benefit for a cheaper approach, it suggests prioritising areas that get the strongest sun, such as south-facing windows or rooms that regularly feel hottest.

The third option is getting an air-to-air heat pump, which the Trust describes as a type of air-conditioning unit that can provide heating in winter and cooling in summer. It says these systems are more common in other parts of Europe than in the UK, but could become a more familiar sight as heatwaves become more frequent and summers trend hotter.

For anyone not ready to take on bigger upgrades, the Trust also repeats some practical steps that can help during hot spells. It advises keeping windows and curtains closed during the day to block out heat, then opening windows when the air outside is cooler.

Sticking to shaded rooms where possible and avoiding using the oven can also make a noticeable difference.

Electric fans can help you feel cooler (stock photo) (Image: Getty)

Some people might also use electric fans. The NHS says: "Keep your living space cool. Close windows, curtains and blinds during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees."