Tips for staying cool: Should you open windows during a heatwave?

When the sun is mercilessly hot, everyone looks for ways to cool down. Intense sunlight can do more harm than good. Many people wonder whether opening windows in high temperatures is a good idea. Research results may surprise you.

It's worth opening windows early in the morning or the evening when the temperature is much lower. The prevailing coolness helps maintain the so-called thermal inertia, which means the ventilated room heats up more slowly. However, when the sun is at its peak, it is worth covering the windows using blinds or curtains. This way, the heat will not penetrate the house or apartment. Use a space blanket or aluminum foil if you don't have blinds or curtains. These materials act like mirrors, helping to maintain a constant temperature in the room.

It's also worth recalling the basics of physics from school to effectively use them to cool your apartment. The phenomenon of enthalpy explains how much energy is needed for a substance to change its state of matter. In the case of water, a specific amount of energy is required for evaporation, and this process cools the room. A similar process occurs in the human body. You can use this by, for example, adding fine sand to an unglazed pot and then pouring a small amount of water over it. The sand must be moist. Next, direct a fan towards the pot, which will trigger the phenomenon of enthalpy.

For many people, the ideal solution is to install air conditioning. Its operation is based on the fact that warm air is lighter than cool air. Alternatively, you can use fans, which are a more common and cheaper choice and can reduce the time it takes to cool rooms by a few degrees. For apartments located higher up, the solar chimney effect can be helpful, drawing cooler air from the lower floors upwards.

What should you do if you can't open the window and don't have a fan? The Government Security Center has provided a few tips that you should follow on hot days:

• Minimize being outdoors in direct sunlight.
• Drink plenty of water - preferably 2-3 litres daily.
• Use a hat outdoors to protect yourself from overheating and scalp burns.
• Wear airy and light clothing - linen clothing is a good choice.
• Do not leave pets or children in cars.
• Don't forget to apply sunscreen before leaving the house.
• Avoid consuming alcohol as it causes dehydration.
• Limit physical exertion and stay at home if possible.