With Britain baking in the heat of summer, keeping homes cool but without breaking the bank is increasingly essential. Easy ways experts offer to do this include turning off the lights and keeping windows shut and curtains closed during the day. And simple no-cost hacks will keep you cool at night without breaking a sweat.

Now that summer has finally managed to break onto centre stage, many Brits are keenly waiting to get out and enjoy the fine weather. But with the warmth comes the chore of trying to keep our homes cool—particularly at night—without allowing bugs to sneak in when we open the windows. Fortunately, experts have shared some simple and free tips for staying cool and bug-free without having to switch on the fan.

Block out the Sun to Keep Your Home Cool.

Of the easiest tricks to stop your house overheating is to keep the sun out. Close your curtains and blinds when the sun is highest during the day. Home expert Rob Beswick, from CGC Interiors, said drawing your curtains could make a big difference in the amount of heat that came into your home. “Keeping the sun out will help keep your rooms cooler, making it easier to sleep at night,” he said.

Keep Those Doors Closed to Keep the Heat at Bay

The next tip from Beswick is to keep the doors closed throughout the day. If you have the doors open, the air is going to flow freely through your home, and it will make your space far hotter than it needs to be. Having the doors closed prevents your house from getting too hot in the first place. Once the sun begins to set, then you can open the doors, letting the cold evening air in.

Switch Off the Lights to Cool Down and Deter Insects

This might sound surprising, but turning off your lights can also help in many other ways. Garden Buildings Direct experts suggest that lights, more so at night, are believed to attract insects like flies, mosquitoes, and moths. Lowering the amount of lighting inside and outside your house could lower the count of bugs around your home. John Stewart of Pelsis UK also comments that spiders that feed on these bugs are then attracted to the areas where these bugs convene. Thus, keeping lights off not only keeps your home cool but also free from bugs.

Keep Windows Closed to Shut Out Unwanted Pests

While it may be tempting to fling open your windows at night to let a bit of fresh air in, this could actually welcome more insects into your interior space. Professionals from Garden Buildings Direct recommend keeping windows closed at night when the lights inside your house are on. This one simple action can help keep unwanted insects out of your home as you sleep.

Douse Unnecessary Appliances

Finally, turning off appliances when not in use may also help in keeping the house cooler. Electronics generate heat. By turning these off, you reduce the total temperature inside the house. These small actions will develop a huge difference, especially on very hot days.

Try Out These Simple Tricks for a Cool, Comfy Summer

Summer is perfect for outdoor activities, but your home should be that cool, comfortable retreat. These simple steps, all free and easy to do, will keep you cool and bug-free all summer—no fans or AC required. Keep sun out of windows, keep doors and windows closed, turn off lights, and shut off appliances when not in use. These easy hacks will keep you cool and make your summer nights enjoyable.

So, the next time you try to reach for that fan, do these hacks to keep a cooler home environment. Not only will you save on your electricity bill, but you’ll also experience a bug-free, full night’s sleep. Summer doesn’t have to mean sleepless, sweaty nights—just a few small changes can make all the difference.