The home hack to keep your house cooler during the heatwave without an air conditioning unit

As the UK experiences increasingly frequent periods of hot weather, an interiors expert is encouraging homeowners to look beyond fans and air conditioning when trying to keep their homes comfortable.

While closing curtains, opening windows at the right times of day and using fans remain popular ways to reduce indoor temperatures, one often overlooked factor is the materials used throughout the home. From flooring to soft furnishings, the right materials can help create a more comfortable indoor environment all year round.

According to Alex Heslop, trend expert at Flooring Superstore, flooring in particular can influence how a home feels in both hot and cold weather because it covers such a large surface area.

“Weather that was once considered extreme is now becoming the new normal, and our homes are traditionally built to retain heat, helping us stay warm in the colder months. But this can be problematic in the high temps and heatwaves that are becoming more common.

“When people think about cooling their home, they usually focus on fans, air conditioning or replacing windows. What many don’t realise is that the materials inside the home can also affect how comfortable a space feels. Flooring is one of the largest surfaces in any room, so choosing the right material can help create a more balanced indoor environment throughout the year.”

Hardwood Floors
“Hardwood has been used in homes for centuries because of its natural properties. It has thermal mass, meaning it can absorb heat and release it gradually, helping indoor temperatures feel more stable across the seasons.

“Hardwood absorbs warmth from sunlight during the day before releasing it slowly as temperatures cool. It also works well with underfloor heating when correctly specified, making it a practical choice for year-round comfort.”

Get the look:

Flooring Superstore Solid Wood Flooring in Park Avenue Herringbone – £149.99 per square metre
Engineered hardwood

“Engineered hardwood features a multi-layered plywood core that makes it more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity than solid wood. Its construction allows it to expand and contract more safely, reducing the risk of warping while still offering the natural warmth and appearance of timber. It also transfers heat efficiently, making it compatible with underfloor heating.”
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Flooring Superstore’s Artisan Herringbone Engineered Wood Flooring – £79.99 per metre squared

Porcelain and ceramic Floor Tiles

“Porcelain and ceramic tiles have a high density and thermal mass, allowing them to absorb and release heat slowly. Their naturally cool surface makes them particularly comfortable during hot weather, while their excellent heat conductivity means they also pair well with underfloor heating during the winter.”

Get the look:
Flooring Superstore Dara Tiles in Ecru Cement – £24.99 per square metre