After what feels like an endless period of rain - hot weather is finally on its way! However, many of our homes are not geared up for this yet, and temperatures can soon become uncomfortable inside.

Next week will see many parts of the country experience a mini-heatwave, with temperatures predicted to hit the high 20s with the overnight temperature also remaining high - so what can you do to keep your home cool? An expert from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, has revealed home hacks to help your home stay at a pleasant temperature.

While preparing your home well in advance is always the best option, there’s still time to take useful steps before the hot weather is here to stay for summer. From improving your insulation, to installing film on your windows, there’s a tip for all homes - and budgets.

Andy Simms, from MyBuilder.com, said that there are many ways Brits can help keep the temperature cooler in their homes, but the most effective ones may take a little longer to implement. 

“It’s lovely to have some hot weather on the way after months of rain, but it won’t be long until we’re complaining about the heat and how we can’t get any sleep! Fortunately, there are many ways we can help our homes stay cool over the warmer months.

“While knowing the best time to open your windows or where to place a fan is useful, it’s best to invest in some upgrades if you want to keep your home at a pleasant temperature in the summer. These tips will hopefully give you some inspiration as to what steps to take to make your home a nice retreat from the sun.”

 MyBuilder.com’s expert tips include:

Use shade

Shade is really effective at dropping the temperature a few degrees, and it’s relatively easy to create shady areas - both indoors and outdoors - that will cool your home. Awnings are helpful with this, and can be placed outside any big windows or south facing aspects. Sail shades are also perfect for this purpose, and look stylish at the same time. Both can be installed for a reasonable cost by a relevant handyman, and are affordable to purchase.

Close your windows

It’s understandable to want to open your windows and doors to let the air in, but actually it’s much more effective to keep your windows closed in hot weather. To gauge whether to open or close, take the temperature in your rooms and outside. If it’s cooler inside than out, it’s a smart idea to keep windows closed. Once the outside cools, open your windows to allow the hot air out.

Change your curtains

Light coloured curtains and blinds reflect the sun’s heat back outside, keeping indoor temperatures lower, though dark curtains and blinds compound the problem. Thermal blinds are also helpful for keeping the heat out as well as in - and booking a professional in to fit them is a relatively small and inexpensive job.

Get air conditioning

Installing air conditioning is a really effective way to cool your home. However, it can come with a large price tag, and in a British climate you might wonder if it’s worth it. Portable air con units are a more affordable option, with portable indoor units for around £250. You also need to consider the increase in electricity costs. Getting a ceiling fan installed is a great way to generate some breeze at a fraction of the cost. If a portable unit doesn’t fit the bill, then a more comprehensive installation will set you back between £1500-£2000. This can vary, depending on the brand/number of units you require, but despite the cost, nothing can beat it for keeping your home comfortable during the summer months.

Solar film

Solar films come in a variety of colours/shade, are placed on your wind and help to reduce the amount of heat/glare or you can choose reflective films. They can be fitted by a tradesperson if you want to get a professional job, but you can go DIY too. Films cost just a few pounds to buy from a variety of outlets.

Upgrading insulation

Better insulation is great not just for keeping your cool, but keeping you warm too. It even helps with energy costs both in terms of less heating, and less fans/aircon unit usage. Upgrading your insulation can seem like a daunting job, but it’s actually hugely beneficial for your property.

Building a pergola

Placed in the right position, pergolas do a brilliant job of providing shade and protection from the sun. They’re also a great way to be able to enjoy the warm weather, while staying cool. To create the best shade coverage with a pergola, grow a climber over it, or you can even put a fabric roof over the top.