The Hot is on its way

All the aircon I've every experienced is very noisy, it's also very drying to the skin and makes you thirsty, theres got to be a better way?

I have head of air source heat pumps that can do the reverse and cool things down, now that would be better as it would be less noisy, but again it's the cost and having a suitable house

I appreciate this won’t be within everyone’s budget, but a few years ago we decided to treat home air conditioning as a health and sensory accommodation. It was available in so many other places (cars, shops, on holiday, etc), but we didn't have it at home, where we needed it the most.

Costs can vary hugely, with options ranging from portable units to single- or multi-room fitted systems (which can also be used for heating). And there are trade-offs - for example, they can be noisy, and true portable air-con units need venting through a window.

I don't mention this insensitively in respect of cost, but hot weather can be badly disabling and air conditioning - if affordable - can really help, which I can vouch for.

I  like summer, but only when its around 20c and there is so clouds in the sky.

I'm not looking forward to the summer heat.  It makes me dizzy, pollen blows all over the place and my knee pain is worse in the heat.

Thank you - that's lovely of you to say.

Heatwave thresholds by area map.

3 consecutive days at these temperatures = a heatwave.

Sorry to read about your health issues relating to the heat. I am the opposite as I have Raynards and recent bike rides have left me struggling to hold my door key and shivering until I got warmed up. I love the warm weather and being able to ride out without all those layers on. I brought a cool mat to sleep on and they do make it bearable to sleep. Like you, I have issues with noisy neighbors so that is a downside.    

I always have cotton sheets, I can't stand polycotton, not only does it not help regulate temperature but they go bobbly after a while and I hate bobbly sheets!.

I use a cold water bottle, I also find washing my feet before bed good too. As I said earlier, my cooling dog mat is really good.

We've got blinds that reflect the heat back out and I was looking a fans earlier.

Having just jet cleaned half the patio in scorching temperatures (south of England) I enjoyed sitting down with a long drink and reading your tips 

Thank you 

I have some hacks for hot weather ;

1. 4mm polycarbonate panels on South-facing windows, fixed with heavy duty velcro. These keep the room warm in winter and cool in summer. I measured them so they fit behind the window handles and windows can still be opened. This works really well, although fexpensive to start with.

2. line your curtains with blackout and thermal lining [ie the fabric has both properties].

3. close the curtains and windows on the side the sun is shining, opening windows and curtains the other side for ventilation

4. buy Egyptian cotton sheets - they wick sweat far better than polycotton. Ditto cotton PJ's, clothing and underwear

5. use a cold water bottle [ie as opposed to a hot water bottle] in bed

6. either get up earlier before the heat OR become a night owl for the summer

7. add lime cordial, mint leaves and ice to carbonated water, for a cooling drink

8. buy an inexpensive fan and an extension lead - to use outdoors and indoors. Or, a Japanese paper fan

9. fix a simple home-made canopy to your exterior [mine is fixed to the veranda] - this cuts off the heat whilst allowing light through. Mine's fixed with vine eyes, butcher hooks, carabiners, bamboo rods fore and aft for strengthening and washing-line poles. The fabric is awning canvas.

Oh, I forgot - also pacing myself with my 'to do' list, by having a cup of tea or coffee and a rest between tasks. Or reading a chapter of a book before returning to do the next task. This way it doesn't tire you out so much in the heat.

Nice to see you back Bunny

25 in deep shade in the garden right now.

My conservatory is open to the kitchen and I was just frying lunch.

It will be over 30 in there.

Now I am frying

Last year I bought myself a large dog cooling blanket and put it under my bottom sheet to sleep on, it made a big difference, I wan't always comfortable and I did wake up a few times, but I also had periods of proper sleep between waking. GOing to the loo was enough time for the blanket to cool back down again.

I agree with Golf23 and Cinnabar_wing  - even on the basis of the blood alone:

NHS - Coughing up blood (blood in phlegm)

I agree with Golf23, anything involving blood you should play it safe GP/111. You might need something stronger than over the counter stuff.

I'm taking over the counter medicine from the chemist.

I genuinely don't want to sound alarmist, but what you described need to be raised with your GP or through NHS 111

I'm looking forward to the heat. It may cut my heating bills.

I'm still cold.  

I survived all winter with no colds or flu or any other illness.  Now in May I caught a cold and I've been ill in bed for the past two weeks.  I have a cough,  flem with blood coming out, ears blocked, constant sneezing with blood, eyes watering with crust forming so I'm blind in the mornings and I have to wash my eye lids to separate them.

I'm looking forward to a few days of heat.

I have solar urticaria (nettle rash from high levels of sunlight exposure), but I also cannot stand sun creams or sprays on my skin, for sensory reasons. So in the hot weather I have to wear a hat, long sleeved shirts and long trousers. The only place I never get solar urticaria rashes is my face. I really find hot sunny weather a trial.

I look with dread at the prospect. We had 26 today and may get 31. I have had to open windows as the wind blew them shut. I hate it as the heat builds up over the days. I only go out early if cool, then pull curtains a bit as well as open windows, but the dimness doesn't help the headaches from high pressure. I do find putting cold water on my face helps a bit. I do have to water in the evenings though and hope my plants survive.

I don't like hot nights either as it makes sleeping even more difficult. I am glad my house is older, so it is a bit cooler indoors. I spend the period waiting for the cooler period and hope the heat doesn't extend further.

I hope you have it a bit cooler in Wales and sorry you have the unhelpful visitors.