With temperatures in the UK this week set to hit highs of up to 34C, and temperature soaring acros Europe, we take a look at some of the measures you can take to reduce the heat in your home.

As the mercury climbs and high temperatures become more frequent, keeping your home refreshingly cool isn’t just about cranking up the air conditioning. A well-insulated home acts like a thermal shield—keeping unwanted heat out during the day and locking in cooler air at night. Here’s why investing in quality insulation is one of the smartest ways to beat the heat, cut your energy bills and boost your comfort.

1. Blocks Heat Transfer at the Source

• Thermal barrier: Insulation materials resist conductive heat flow through walls, roofs and floors, so the scorching sun outside never makes it inside.
• Reflective layers: Radiant-barrier (reflective) insulations can help bounce infrared heat away from your loft or attic before it penetrates living spaces.
• Seals air leaks: Combined with draught-proofing, insulation reduces convection currents that draw hot air in and push cooler air out.

2. Targets Key Hotspots

• Loft and roof: Up to 25% of unwanted heat gains via your roof. Loft insulation and reflective roofing membranes slash this dramatically.
• External walls: Cavity-wall or external insulations cut the direct heat path through brickwork.
• Floors: Suspended timber floors or solid concrete slabs benefit from underfloor insulation, minimising heat rising from sun-warmed ground.
• Windows and doors: Secondary glazing films or thermal curtains complement wall and roof measures for full-house protection.

3. Delivers Year-Round Comfort

• Cool summers: By keeping daytime heat out, indoor temperatures stay within the 18–24 °C comfort band, reducing reliance on fans and air conditioning.
• Warmer winters: The same insulation stops your precious heat escaping when temperatures fall, slashing heating bills.
• Stable humidity: A well-sealed, insulated envelope helps moderate indoor humidity, preventing clamminess in summer and dryness in winter.

4. Cuts Energy Bills and Carbon Footprint

• Lower running costs: Reduced air-conditioning usage means noticeable savings on electricity bills—often paying back the insulation investment in under five years.
• Decarbonisation goal: Better insulation is one of the quickest routes to achieving the UK’s net-zero targets, reducing overall household CO₂ emissions.
• Green credentials: Choosing recycled insulation materials (like recycled glass) boosts sustainability.

5. Boosts Acoustic Comfort and Property Value

• Noise dampening: Insulation also absorbs sound, cutting traffic and neighbour noise by up to 50%, creating a calmer home environment.
• Market appeal: Energy-efficient homes command higher prices and sell faster. An A or B EPC rating is a strong selling point.

6. Practical Tips for Maximum Impact

1. Start with a home energy survey: Identify where heat gain is most severe.
2. Prioritise the loft: It’s the most cost-effective first step - aim for at least 270 mm of mineral-wool.
3. Seal the gaps: Use draught excluders around windows and doors, plus expanding foam in larger voids.
4. Combine solutions: Pair wall or roof insulation with high-performance glazing for a fully integrated thermal envelope.