The mercury is set to soar in Britain this week, with temperatures potentially reaching record highs. Amid the sweltering heat, many are looking for ways to keep cool without breaking the bank – or the planet. A unique perspective on managing extreme temperatures comes from Australia, where 40C days are a regular occurrence.
Australians have adapted to navigating significantly higher temperatures than those experienced in the UK, with a focus on proactive heat management. According to experts, one key strategy is controlling indoor temperatures by blocking direct sunlight. This habit starts early – blinds and curtains are often drawn as soon as sunlight appears, or even before leaving the house for the day.
When it comes to window treatments, specific blind types can make a significant difference. Honeycomb blinds, such as Duette, are designed to trap air and reduce heat gain in summer and loss in winter. While more expensive, options like vertical or Venetian blinds offer flexibility for adjusting to the sun's angle throughout the day. For renters, clip-on blinds provide a non-permanent solution.
As night falls, the focus shifts to bringing cooler air indoors. Opening windows and doors can create a cross-breeze, which is highly effective for cooling. A common Australian addition is fly screens, allowing windows to remain open overnight without inviting pests. Pleated fly-screen doors are also popular, offering a retractable solution for larger openings.
The Australian approach extends beyond physical adaptations, with lifestyle adjustments playing a key role in managing heatwaves. No-cook meals are often opted for to avoid generating additional heat indoors, and air coolers are considered as a lower-energy alternative to traditional air conditioning units. While air con can be life-saving for some, these alternatives provide a more environmentally conscious path to comfort during extreme weather.