Solar shading Annelies Vandyck

Extreme heat and heatwaves: how to keep your home cool while protecting yourself

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Hot summer days used to be the exception. Today, however, we are experiencing more frequent and prolonged heatwaves. Temperatures are rising across Europe, with tropical days and nights becoming increasingly common. This not only affects our health but also our comfort at home. That is why more and more cities are taking measures to protect residents from extreme heat. Think of additional green spaces, shaded areas and public cooling spaces where people can escape the heat for a while. Fortunately, there is also a lot you can do at home to reduce the impact of high temperatures. The better your home is protected from the sun, the cooler and more comfortable it will remain indoors – even when temperatures outside rise above 30°C.

Why extreme heat is dangerous for people

Extreme heat is more than just uncomfortable. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 175,000 people in Europe die every year as a result of heat-related causes. Older adults, young children and people living with chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, fatigue, reduced concentration and, in severe cases, heatstroke.

Even healthy people experience the effects of extreme heat. High temperatures can reduce concentration, lower productivity, cause headaches and negatively affect sleep quality. People who are not used to hot weather are also more likely to suffer from heat stress. That’s why it’s important to keep your home as cool as possible, even if you don’t consider yourself part of a high-risk group.

Your home also suffers during periods of extreme heat. Sunlight entering through the windows heats up floors, walls and furniture. These surfaces slowly release the stored heat, causing indoor temperatures to remain uncomfortably high well into the evening or even throughout the night.

The result? Poorer sleep, reduced comfort and a greater reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems such as air conditioning. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to come to that. The most effective way to keep your home cool is to prevent heat from entering in the first place.

Tropical nights are also a risk

It’s not only hot days that can take their toll. During a tropical night, temperatures do not fall below 20°C, preventing your body from recovering properly from the heat of the day. The result is poorer sleep, increased fatigue and greater physical strain, particularly for vulnerable people.

 

 

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Prevention is better than cooling afterwards

Many people only try to cool their home once it has already become too warm. By then, however, much of the heat has already been absorbed by the building.

That’s why prevention is so important. Many people close their curtains during hot weather, but by that time much of the sun’s heat has already passed through the glass. External blinds stop the sun before it reaches your windows. This significantly reduces heat build-up inside your home and helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, even during prolonged heatwaves.

By blocking the sun before it reaches the glazing, you prevent your home from overheating. External blinds, roller shutters and other external solar shading solutions are among the most effective ways to keep the heat out. They block the sun’s rays before they enter your home, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant indoor climate without constantly relying on air conditioning. Combine this with smart ventilation and plenty of shade around your home, and you’ll create a comfortable indoor environment even on the hottest summer days.

Checklist: 7 tips to keep yourself and your home cool during a heatwave

1. Keep the sun out

The easiest way to prevent your home from overheating is to stop the sun before it reaches your windows. External blinds, roller shutters and other forms of external solar shading significantly reduce solar heat gain and help keep indoor temperatures comfortable. That way, your home stays pleasant even on the hottest days.

2. Ventilate at the right time

Open windows and doors only when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature. This is usually early in the morning, late in the evening or overnight. This allows accumulated heat to escape without letting warm air back inside.

3. Keep windows and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day

When the sun is at its strongest, keep your windows and doors closed. Combine this with external blinds or closed roller shutters to keep as much heat as possible outside.

4. Create additional shade around your home

A patio cover, trees or other shaded areas not only make outdoor living more comfortable, but also reduce the amount of heat entering your home. Less direct sunlight means a cooler and more comfortable indoor environment.

5. Stay hydrated, eat light meals and avoid strenuous activities

Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and plan physical activities during the cooler parts of the day whenever possible.

6. Look out for vulnerable people

Older adults, young children and people with underlying health conditions are especially sensitive to heat. Check in regularly with family members, neighbours or friends and help them stay cool if needed.

7. Prepare your home for the next heatwave

Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent. By investing today in smart solutions such as external blinds, roller shutters or a patio cover with integrated solar shading, you’ll enjoy greater comfort for years to come while reducing your need for active cooling.

A comfortable home starts with smart preventive measures

Extreme heat is becoming an increasingly common part of our summers. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until your home becomes uncomfortably warm before taking action.

By keeping the sun out, ventilating your home at the right times and creating plenty of shade, you can maintain a comfortable indoor climate even during a heatwave.

External blinds and roller shutters play a key role in this. They stop the heat before it reaches your home, reducing your reliance on air conditioning while creating a cooler, more comfortable living environment.

With a few well-considered measures, you can make your home better prepared for hotter summers while investing in long-lasting, sustainable comfort – today and for the future.

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