TEMPERATURES are soaring again and many Brits will be reaching for energy-hungry gadgets to help keep them cool in the heat.
But this comes at a cost, because running appliances like air conditioning units and fans can add up to £380 to your energy bill.
Fortunately, you don't have to spend a small fortune on chilling out.
Joanna O'Loan, knowledge manager at the Energy Saving Trust (EST), said: "With temperatures rising and energy bills still high, navigating the most cost effective and energy efficient ways to keep your home cool is important for many."
It comes as forecasters predict a last dose of summer, with temperatures reaching as high as 32C.
Joanna revealed six ways you can tackle the heat for free – some cost just pennies while others are entirely free.
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Windows and blinds
Keeping your house cool when temperatures are soaring can be difficult.
But knowing when to open your windows and when to keep them closed can be a big help.
Joanna said: "When the air is cool outside, opening windows at all sides of your house will let cool air flow through."
"If it’s a particularly warm day and the air is warmer outside than inside, close windows to keep the warmer air out."
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Keeping blinds and curtains closed can also help to shut out the sun and stop rooms from overheating.
"It’s usually easier to stop heat entering a home than it is to cool it down again," Joanna said.
"Closing blinds and curtains when the sun is shining through a window – and only opening them when the sun has moved away – will prevent the heating effect of sunlight coming through the glass."
Be sure not to run any hot appliances unless you really need to as well – that means ditching the hairdryer or straighteners for a few days.
Add solar film to windows
It may seem a bit contradictory to cover up your windows in the summer, but it can be effective at cooling your rooms.
Joanna said: "Adding solar control film to your windows, either yourself or by a professional, will help reduce the heating effect of sunlight shining through the glass.
"Costs will vary depending on the film you choose as well as the size and number of windows you choose to cover.
"If you decide not to cover all of your windows, prioritise the ones that receive the most sunlight, such as south facing windows, or those in rooms that get the warmest."
Taping bubble wrap to your windows can also help to keep your home cool, according to ex-builder Clive Holland.
If you have some lying around at home then this hack is completely free, but if not, you can pick some up for just £1 at The Works.
Try a USB fan
Using a fan can be an expensive way to keep cool in hot weather.
More expensive tower, desktop and pedestal fans aren't necessarily more efficient, or cheaper to run, than cheaper models.
Running a tower fan for eight hours a day for 30 days can cost as much as £2.40, according to Loop.
Joanna suggests getting a small USB fan for your desk instead.
She said: "It can be a cheap way to stay cool while working at a computer, with running costs as low as 1p per day.
You can pick up a desk fan for as little as £5 on Amazon, or Dunlem is currently selling one for £12.50 reduced from £25 in its summer sale.
Evaporative air coolers
Air coolers are a step up from a fan, but not quite a full-on air conditioning unit, which can set you back hundreds of pounds.
You fill an air cooler with water or ice and combined with the action of a fan inside, it gives you a cooler breeze than just a fan alone.
Joanna said: "Compared to portable air-con units, evaporative air coolers use less energy.
"A good tip is to keep internal doors closed while using an evaporative cooler to prevent warm air from entering the room and unplug when not in use."
It costs around 40p to use the cooler continuously for 24 hours, compared with £6 for a portable air-conditioning unit.
Air coolers can be a little pricey if you don't already have one, but there are some deals to be found.
You can pick up a Tristar cooler for £87 from B&Q or an Igenix digital cooler is £159 at Dunelm.
If you do decide to get one, remember that ordering online will come with an extra delivery charge, so do factor that in.
While it's not clear how long this hot spell is going to last, if you do invest in one, you can also use it next summer.
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