22 hours ago3 min read
How to Cool Your Apartment in the UK Without Installing an Air Conditioner
- Gavin P. Tate
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
British flats aren’t built for heatwaves — literally. With more UK summers breaking temperature records, many people are searching for ways to cool their apartments without installing a fixed air conditioner, especially if they rent or live in high-rises.
If that’s you, don’t worry — here are some genuinely effective ways to cool your space without drilling holes or breaking your tenancy agreement.
🪟 1. Keep Blinds Closed During the Day
One of the simplest and most effective tricks: block the sun before it heats your flat. Blackout curtains or thermal blinds can reduce solar heat gain by up to 30%.
Prioritise south- and west-facing windows
Use reflective window film or temporary foil for heatwaves
Open windows again in the evening for airflow
❄️ 2. Use a Portable Air Conditioner (No Installation Needed)
If you're serious about cooling — especially in bedrooms or living areas — a portable air conditioner is your best bet. No permanent installation, just a hose out the window and you're good to go.
✅ Our top recommendation: the👉 Pro Breeze 9000 BTU Portable Air ConditionerAvailable here on Amazon with fast delivery, excellent service, and competitive pricing.
This 9000 BTU model is ideal for cooling rooms up to 21 m², has a built-in dehumidifier, and runs quietly enough for nighttime use. It's also easy to move between rooms.
🌬 3. Create Cross-Ventilation (UK-Style)
Open windows or doors on opposite sides of the flat during cooler times (mornings and evenings). You can enhance this effect by placing a fan near one window to draw cooler air in and another facing out to push warm air out.
Pro tip: Tilt the fan up toward the ceiling — hot air rises, and this helps remove it more efficiently.
🧴 4. Switch Off Heat-Generating Appliances
Every little helps when trying to keep your apartment cool.
Cook outside or switch to cold meals during heatwaves
Avoid tumble dryers — hang-dry clothes at night
Turn off computers and gaming consoles when not in use
🪴 5. Add Indoor Plants That Cool the Air
Some plants release moisture through a process called transpiration, which can slightly lower the air temperature:
Aloe Vera
Areca Palm
Snake PlantBonus: they improve air quality, too.
❓ Common Questions About Cooling UK Apartments Without Installation
🔌 Can I use a portable air conditioner in a rental flat?
Yes! Portable air conditioners like the Pro Breeze 9000 BTU don’t require permanent installation and are perfect for renters.
🪟 What if my windows don’t open wide enough for a vent hose?
Use a universal window seal kit, which fits most tilt-and-turn or sash windows. These kits seal gaps and keep hot air out while allowing the exhaust hose through.
🧊 Do portable air conditioners work well in the UK?
Absolutely. They’re especially effective in UK flats that trap heat, and provide both cooling and dehumidifying — helpful in our muggy climate.
🌡 Is a fan just as good as a portable air conditioner?
Fans circulate air but don’t lower the temperature. In contrast, a portable AC like the Pro Breeze 9000 BTU actually removes heat from the air, making it far more effective in sustained heat.
🔋 How much energy does a portable air conditioner use?
The Pro Breeze 9000 BTU is rated A for energy efficiency. It won’t use as little as a fan, but it cools much more effectively and can be run in short bursts.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Sweat It Out 🥵
Living in a hot UK apartment without air conditioning used to mean suffering through heatwaves. But with smart habits, passive cooling tricks, and devices like the Pro Breeze 9000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, staying cool is easier — and more affordable — than ever.
