Summer Heat Do’s & Don’ts | Keep Your Home Cool

Share this article

On hot days, we all want one thing: to cool down. But taking a refreshing dip in the pool isn’t always an option. Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways to keep yourself — and your home — comfortably cool. We’ve compiled some practical do’s and don’ts from experts to help you get through the summer with ease, even when the heat is sweltering.

Do’s – How to Keep Things Cool

1. Wear light and breathable clothing
Fabrics like cotton and linen help your body stay cool. Opt for light colors such as white or beige — they reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. Bonus: you’ll look stylish too.

2. Stay hydrated — smartly
Staying hydrated is key during hot weather. Water and light drinks hydrate well. Avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee or alcohol — they actually dehydrate your body.

3. Keep the heat out
Once heat enters your home, it’s hard to get rid of it. Smart solar shading helps block the heat before it enters your home.
Screens stop the sun’s rays before they hit your windows, keeping the interior cooler while still letting you enjoy the view outside.

“Solar shading is one of the most underrated investments in homes. It helps to keep your home cool and makes the interior much more comfortable.”

Glenn Reynders

Dr. ir., EnergyVille/KU Leuven

4. Ventilate smartly: in the morning and evening
Proper ventilation is important, but on hot days, it’s best to ventilate when it’s cooler outside than inside — early morning or late evening. This lets in fresh air and helps lower the indoor temperature.

5. Use natural shade
Did you know trees and greenery can help keep your home cool? They lower the surrounding temperature — especially at night — and reduce the amount of heat your home absorbs, which improves ventilation.
No space for greenery? A sun awning or exterior shading provides effective protection from direct sunlight during the day.

“Smart ventilation is a simple and inexpensive way to cool your home. Open windows on the upper and lower floors when it’s cooler outside — this allows fresh air to flow through and helps your home absorb less heat the next day.”

Hilde Breesch

Prof. Dr. Ir. Building Physics & Sustainable Building, KU Leuven

Don’ts – What to Avoid

1. Leaving windows and doors open during the day
If it’s hotter outside than inside, you’re letting heat in without realizing it. Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible during the day.

2. Relying on curtains for sun protection
Only external shading can stop the heat from entering your home. Curtains allow sunlight to warm the glass before blocking it — too late.

3. Exercising during peak heat
Avoid physical activity during the hottest hours of the day. Exercise in the early morning or late evening to prevent overheating.

4. Taking ice-cold showers
A cold shower may feel refreshing, but it can actually cause your body to work harder afterward to warm back up. A lukewarm shower or footbath is much more effective.

5. Overusing air conditioning
Air conditioning consumes a lot of energy. Use it as a supplement to solar shading — this reduces its workload or may even make it unnecessary. Good for your wallet and the planet.

“Curtains only block sunlight after it has already passed through the glass — so the heat is already inside.”

Hilde Breesch

Prof. Dr. Ir. Building Physics & Sustainable Building, KU Leuven

Natural Cooling is Sustainable Cooling

At Harol, we believe comfort and sustainability go hand in hand. Our awnings, screens, and pergolas block heat before it enters your home, allowing you to enjoy a cooler living environment — indoors and outdoors. Stylish, smart, energy-efficient, and tailored to your home and lifestyle.

Curious which solar shading solution is right for your home? Feel free to get in touch to schedule an appointment. Our specialists are happy to discuss your needs and walk you through all the options.

Folding arm awnings

A folding arm awning is the ideal horizontal sun protection, creating a lower indoor temperature and pleasant shade on your terrace.

Screens

Harol has the biggest range of sun protection screens for windows. Choose vertical sun protection and make the energy-efficient choice for your home.

Outside venetian blinds

Outside venetian blinds are the perfect sun protection for your windows. Create shade, privacy and keep the heat outside. Always made-to-measure.

Veranda or conservatory awnings

Veranda sun canopies block the sun coming through your skylight, rooflight or veranda. Also supplied using solar power.

Wind screen

This side screen protects you from sun and wind in the most challenging areas of your terrace.

Pivot arm awnings

A pivot arm awning is the ideal shade provider for windows and balconies. The sunlight is effectively blocked by the screen, with its steep downwards angle.

Winter Maintenance for Your Harol Solar Shading

Roller shutters: robust sun shading, easy maintenance

Shade, the ideal place when the UV index is high

Winter Maintenance for Your Harol Solar Shading

Roller shutters: robust sun shading, easy maintenance

Shade, the ideal place when the UV index is high

Winter Maintenance for Your Harol Solar Shading

Roller shutters: robust sun shading, easy maintenance

Shade, the ideal place when the UV index is high

Expert Advice: Do’s & Don’ts During Summer Heatwaves

Do’s – How to Keep Things Cool

Don’ts – What to Avoid