Effective Ways to Stay Cool while Working in Hot UK Weather

Working in extreme heat and humidity is very uncomfortable. Productivity is negatively affected, and workers’ health can be put at risk. High levels of heat and humidity can also have a damaging effect on equipment and work environments.

UK health and safety laws require workplaces to maintain a safe and comfortable working temperature throughout the workspace. Health and safety experts recommend that a minimum temperature of 16°C be maintained in work areas, 13°C if physically demanding work take place. The safe thermal range for workplaces is recommended to be between 16°C and 24°C.

Trying to reach this temperature naturally indoors can be difficult, especially in smaller spaces like commercial offices or home offices.

When considering the best way to cool a room in summer, especially in the workplace, we highly recommend checking out one of our cooling categories. We offer summer cooling solutions that include portable air conditioners, wall-mounted air conditioners, evaporative air conditioners, and fan coolers.

The Issues with Working in Hot Weather

Heat Makes it Harder to Concentrate

The biggest problem that arises when workplaces are too hot is that employees’ ability to concentrate decreases. Offices and work areas that are too warm and stuffy have higher CO2 levels than a work area that falls in the recommended thermal range. Elevated CO2 levels make it difficult for employees to breathe and stay cool.

While environmental factors like airflow and the ambient temperature all play a primary role in the temperature of your space, other factors are also at play. Heat from office equipment like screens, laptops, and printers can also increase the overall temperature and add to the discomfort.

Heat Stress is a Serious Workplace Concern

Discomfort and lack of concentration are not the only issues that heat can cause. Heat in the workplace can also lead to a condition called heat stress. This is a very real and very serious medical issue that can not only kill productivity but also hospitalise employees.

Symptoms of heat stress include the following:

• Feelings of excessive overheating

• Dizziness or fatigue

• Headaches or migraines

• Increased sweating

• Reduced concentration

Employers are encouraged to notify their employees about the danger of heat stress and are recommended to put up a safety notice informing employees to follow the NHS or GOV.UK heat health guidelines in hot weather.

Simple Cooling Habits That Do Not Require Cooling Equipment

Before purchasing expensive cooling equipment, try some of these simple cooling habits. By making a few small adjustments, you could reduce the heat in your workspace by a significant amount.

Block Out Direct Sunlight

Try to keep out of direct sunlight during the day. This can be done by keeping curtains or blinds closed, especially during the hottest part of the day. Doing so could help to minimise heat build-up.

You can also try some of our recommended practices:

• Install blackout curtains or visors where possible.

• Keep computer screens away from direct sunlight.

• Install reflective film on windows in rooms that receive a large amount of sunlight.

Ventilate at the Right Time

Ventilating a room is a great way to reduce the ambient temperature of that room naturally. However, ventilating the room at the wrong time of the day can make matters worse. Opening windows and doors during the hottest times of the day can cause hot air to rush in and circulate the room, making it feel even hotter and stuffier. Instead, we recommend ventilating at these times:

• Early in the morning.

• Later in the evening.

Ventilating your space during these times will allow cool air to circulate through the room. We also recommend opening multiple doors or windows where possible to create cross-ventilation.

Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks

Drinking enough fluids and staying hydrated is one of the most effective ways to stay cool when temperatures rise. Staying hydrated will allow your body to regulate your temperature and keep you cooler for longer.

It is also recommended that you take periodic breaks throughout the day, as this will help you to cool down when working.

Some key tips to stay cool during the day include:

• Keep cool water at your desk.

• Take short breaks away from heat sources.

• Avoid sitting in direct sunlight.

• Wear cool, breathable clothing that is still professional.

Fast and Flexible Cooling with Portable Air Conditioners

What is a Portable Air Conditioner?

Portable air conditioners are movable air conditioning units in which all major components are housed in one single unit. These devices are perfect for small spaces as they can easily be moved from room to room. The only installation requirement is that it be placed close to a window for the exhaust hose to be put through to the outside.

A portable air conditioner is a great option for staying cool in summer, especially if you need to cool one of the following spaces:

• A home office

• Bedrooms

• Small apartments

• Rental units

• Rooms that do not allow permanent cooling installations

What Makes Portable Air Conditioners Perfect for Workspaces in Summer

Portable air conditioners provide refrigerant cooling without the need for permanent installations. It can be set up within minutes and be moved from room to room as needed. They are the perfect budget indoor heat management solution that allows room temperature control with minimal upfront costs.

Purchasing Considerations Before Buying a Portable Air Conditioner

• Cooling Output: Make sure the cooling output (BTU) of the portable air conditioner matches the size of your room.

• Window Venting Kit: Make sure the window kit supplied with the portable air conditioner is compatible with the window type in your workspace.

• Noise Level: Portable air conditioners are noisier than traditional air conditioning systems because all the components are housed in a single unit within the room. Check the noise rating before purchasing to make sure it is suitable for the space you are using it in.

• Drainage Requirements: Portable air conditioning units require drainage to drain away the moisture it gathered from the air. Check the unit you are buying to confirm if it is a self-evaporating unit or if it requires manual draining.

Wall-Mounted Air Conditioning for Long-Term Cooling

What Are Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners?

Wall-mounted air conditioning units, like packed terminal air conditioners, are fixed cooling systems that are installed directly into the wall. These units usually have an internal unit that supplies the cool air to the room, and an outside unit which expels the heat out of the building. There are two main types of wall-mounted air conditioning units, namely packed terminal air conditioners, multi-split systems, and ductless systems.

Wall-mounted air conditioning units are a permanent cooling solution because they require extensive wall modifications to install. These systems are suited well to the following situations:

• Permanent home offices

• Bedrooms

• Large commercial offices

• Clinics

• Studios

• Retail spaces

What Makes Wall-Mounted Air Conditioning Effective

There are a host of benefits to installing a wall-mounted air conditioning unit. One of the major benefits is that it provides a powerful stream of consistent cooling. Having both an indoor and outdoor unit also means that wall-mounted air conditioning units are quieter than portable units.

Energy efficiency is another reason to consider a wall-mounted air conditioning unit if you have the space and budget to install one. Wall-mounted units can be more energy efficient than portable units when it comes to long-term cooling.

Additionally, wall-mounted units can also have more features, with many models supporting heating as well as cooling.

When Should You Consider a Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner?

A wall-mounted air conditioner could be the best cooling solution for you if:

• The room you work in stays the same every day.

• Your workspace overheats in summer.

• You require consistent temperature control.

• You need cooling for larger spaces.

Times When Wall-Mounted Units Won’t Work Best

• Wall-mounted units have a higher upfront and installation cost, so they might not be the right fit if you have a tight budget.

• Wall-mounted units require professional installation and might not work for you if you cannot get an HVAC technician to install them for you.

• Because the installation is permanent, wall-mounted units are not recommended for rental properties.

Evaporative Air Coolers Are the Low-Energy Spot Cooling Champion

What Are Evaporative Air Coolers?

Evaporative air coolers are portable cooling devices that use water instead of refrigerant technology to cool hot air. It does this by drawing in hot air using a combination of intake fans and then running the hot air over cooling pads. When the hot air encounters the much cooler cooling pads, evaporation takes place. The cool air that is then vented out is filled with humidity, which makes the space being cooled more comfortable to be in.

Do Evaporative Air Coolers Work in the UK?

Evaporative air coolers work effectively in hot and dry climates. While they can be extremely efficient for spot cooling, they might not be as effective in parts of the UK that are more humid.

It is important to remember the following when purchasing an evaporative air cooler:

• Evaporative Air Coolers are not the same as air conditioners.

• Cooling takes place by adding moisture to the air.

• Constant ventilation is required in spaces where evaporative air coolers are being used.

Evaporative Air Cooler Advantages

• More energy efficient than traditional air conditioners.

• External venting hose not required.

• More affordable than traditional air conditioners

An Evaporative Air Cooler Is Best For

• Small office spaces and bedrooms.

• Workshops.

• Semi-open commercial spaces.

• Hot and dry indoor areas.

Cooling Fans for Budget-Friendly Cooling

Do Fans Provide Effective Cooling?

Cooling fans do not reduce room temperatures in the same way that air conditioners and air coolers do. Instead of reducing room temperature, cooling fans move air across the room. Placing a cooling fan in a place where the air it moves blows directly over your skin will help you feel cooler. It works similarly to evaporative cooling. The air being blown over your skin is cooler than your body temperature.

Cooling Fan Types for Workspaces

• Desk fans

• Pedestal fans

• Tower fans

• Floor fans

• Bladeless fans

• Air circulation fans

Cooling Fan Advantages

• Cost-effective cooling option (Low upfront cost and running cost)

• Easy to move from room to room

• No permanent installation needed

• Improves airflow in stuffy spaces

Cooling Fan Constraints

• Does not lower the air temperature

• Not as effective in hot rooms

• Will circulate warm air if placed in the wrong spot

• Fan blades can be noisy

Tips to Use Cooling Fans Effectively

• Place the fan close to you so that you can feel the air.

• Use it early in the morning or later in the evening to circulate cool air.

• Keep the windows open to aid in cooling.

• Use in conjunction with air conditioning to improve cooling.

Cooling Method Comparison

Our Recommendation for The Best Cooling Solution to Stay Cool While Working in Hot Weather

There is no one perfect cooling solution for all needs. Rather, the best cooling solution for you depends on a variety of factors. Factors such as the type of workspace you are in, your budget, the property type, and how hot it gets will all play a role in determining what cooling solution you need.

• For quick room-to-room cooling, we suggest our range of portable air conditioners.

• For long-term cooling in fixed workspaces, we recommend wall-mounted air conditioning.

• For energy-efficient personal cooling, we recommend evaporative air cooling.

• For budget-friendly cooling, we recommend a simple cooling fan.

Once you have identified and selected the best cooling solution to meet your workspace needs, check out our range of cooling products. You will find everything you need from air conditioners to air coolers. We also stock a large range of accessories for your cooling products.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooling

What is the best cooling solution for workplaces?

The best cooling solution for your workspace depends on various factors. Things such as your budget, workspace type, and property type will play an important role in determining what the best cooling solution is for you.

Are portable air conditioners good for working from home?

Yes, portable air conditioning is a great option for home offices. Portable air conditioners do not need permanent installation and can be moved from room to room.

Is a wall-mounted air conditioner better than a portable air conditioner?

Wall-mounted units have more advantages than portable air in the long run. They offer more efficient and budget-friendly cooling while also being quieter.

Are evaporative air coolers effective in the UK?

Evaporative air coolers have the potential to work effectively in the UK, but their performance is highly dependent on the environment. Evaporative air coolers are less effective in humid environments and work best in workspaces that are hot and dry.

What is the most cost-effective cooling solution for hot weather in the UK?

The cheapest cooling product on the market is cooling fans. Cooling fans have the lowest purchase price and running costs.

What are the best cooling solutions for workshops and garages?

Evaporative air coolers and powerful fans are the most recommended cooling solutions for workshops and garages because these spaces are generally well ventilated.