How to keep your cool

Without spending a fortune, there are plenty of simple but effective measures most of us can take to make our homes and offices cooler.

Draw blinds or curtains on south-facing windows during the hottest part of the day.

Create cross-draughts by opening windows and doors on opposite sides of a room.

Create updraughts by opening windows at the top of the house, where hot air gathers - the bedrooms should be cooler at the end of the day.

Fix external shutters or canvas shades and awnings to windows to reduce the amount of full sun hitting the glass.

Incorporate a water feature, preferably something like a large trough, close to the house - the sight and sound of water makes us feel cooler and air is actually cooled as it passes over the water.

Add more insulation in the roof - it will keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.