Find where the heat enters
A hot room may receive strong afternoon sun, heat from appliances or warmth from another part of the house. In a British home, record which rooms overheat and when. Note window orientation, existing shading and whether the room cools when outdoor conditions improve.
Use shading deliberately
Operate suitable blinds, shutters or other shading before the room becomes uncomfortable. Check safety, wind exposure and permissions for external fittings. Do not cover ventilation openings or improvise unsafe window attachments. The aim is to reduce unwanted solar gain while keeping the room usable.
Ventilate when conditions support it
Opening windows can help when outside air is cooler, but security, noise and outdoor air quality also matter. Keep the building’s required ventilation functioning. Reduce unnecessary indoor heat from avoidable appliance use where practical, instead of relying entirely on portable cooling equipment.
Review the results
Compare room temperature and comfort under similar weather conditions. Identify the room that still needs attention and seek appropriate advice for persistent overheating. If someone is vulnerable to heat, follow current public-health guidance; a home-improvement experiment should not delay help or a safer place to stay.