I don’t know about you, but I have been absolutely roasting this week.
Most of my days have been spent out on site visiting clients, carrying out building surveys and analysing properties. While the outside temperatures have been warm enough, the real challenge has been squeezing into loft spaces to inspect insulation and roof construction. If you’ve ever been in a loft on a hot summer’s day, you’ll know it is not fun.
After a few particularly sweaty site visits, it got me thinking. We’ve written before about how to prepare your building for hot weather, but what about the things you can actually buy if you’re wondering how to stay cool in summer?
Below are some of my favourite items I have seen, ranging from inexpensive gadgets to longer-term building improvements, that can make a real difference for both businesses and individuals.
One of the most effective answers to “how to stay cool in summer” is to stop the heat getting in in the first place.
Reflective window film can reject a significant amount of solar heat before it enters the building, helping offices, schools and retail spaces stay cooler throughout the day. It also reduces glare on computer screens and can help lower cooling costs if air conditioning is installed.
Sometimes a room doesn’t just feel hot, it feels stuffy.
Air quality monitors measure temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, helping facilities teams understand whether poor ventilation is contributing to discomfort. In many cases, improving airflow can make a room feel much more comfortable without changing the temperature.
Cooling an individual is often far cheaper than cooling an entire office.
Modern USB or rechargeable desk fans are inexpensive to run and can make a noticeable difference to employee comfort, particularly in offices without air conditioning.
South-facing windows can quickly turn an office into a greenhouse.
Thermal or blackout blinds help reduce solar gain by blocking direct sunlight before it heats up the room. They’re a simple investment that can make a surprising difference during prolonged periods of sunshine.
For warehouses, factories and large commercial spaces, High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) ceiling fans can be incredibly effective.
Rather than blasting cold air, they gently circulate large volumes of air throughout the building, improving comfort while using significantly less energy than traditional cooling systems.
Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to cope with hot weather.
Providing easily accessible chilled water stations encourages staff to drink more throughout the day, helping reduce fatigue and maintain concentration.
If you’ve ever spent a summer night constantly turning your pillow over looking for the cool side, you’re not alone.
Cooling pillows use gel or specialist materials to stay cooler for longer, helping improve comfort and sleep quality during hot weather.
These are a personal favourite of mine for staying cool in the summer.
Simply wet the towel, wring it out and place it around your neck. As the water evaporates, it provides a cooling effect that can last for hours.
It sounds simple, but having cold water available throughout the day makes staying hydrated much easier.
A good insulated bottle can keep drinks cold for most of the working day, whether you’re in the office, travelling or out on site.
These have become incredibly popular over the past few summers.
Small enough to fit into a bag, they’re ideal for commuting, working from home, sitting in the garden or even taking to sporting events and festivals.
Many people only think of blackout curtains for sleeping, but they’re excellent at reducing heat entering a room.
Closing them before the sun reaches your windows can help keep your home noticeably cooler throughout the afternoon.
Unlike traditional fans, air circulators are designed to move air around the entire room rather than simply blowing it in one direction.
They’re particularly useful for bedrooms and home offices where improving airflow can make the space feel much more comfortable.
Not every solution needs to involve technology or expensive upgrades.
Outdoor shade sails, parasols, indoor plants near windows, fly screens that allow windows to stay open overnight, and even wearing lightweight moisture-wicking clothing can all make a noticeable difference during periods of hot weather.
Often, it’s a combination of several small improvements that creates the biggest impact.
There isn’t one magic product that solves overheating, and how to stay cool in summer often comes down to combining several practical solutions. The best approach is usually to stop heat entering the building where possible, improve airflow, stay hydrated and make smart choices about how you keep yourself cool.
Whether you’re managing an office, running a school or simply trying to get a better night’s sleep at home, a few well-chosen purchases can make summer far more comfortable.
After spending this week climbing around loft spaces in 30°C heat, I’ll certainly be investing in a few of them myself.
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