Media releases / 30.6.2026
When outdoor temperatures rise to heatwave levels, residents should take a few simple steps to help keep their homes cool.
When the average daily outdoor temperature reaches 13–15°C, the heating is automatically switched off in all Lumo buildings. Residents do not need to worry about whether their radiators or underfloor heating in dry areas are on or off.
“Residents control the underfloor heating in wet areas themselves. However, it should not be switched off completely, as keeping the bathroom floor slightly heated ensures that it dries properly and helps prevent moisture damage,” says Ville Kilpi, Director, Residents and Service at Lumo Homes plc.
Kilpi shares his best advice for keeping your home as cool as possible.
1. Block direct sunlight
After a long winter, the summer sun is a welcome sight, and it can be tempting to let the refreshing daylight flood into your home. However, to keep your apartment cool, it is best to keep curtains and blinds closed during the day whenever the sun is shining directly into your home.
“Direct sunlight heats up your apartment just like radiators do. It can raise the indoor temperature by several degrees,” Kilpi says.
Standard blinds and curtains help reduce the amount of heat entering your home, but some curtains are more effective than others.
“There are also heat-insulating blackout curtains available, and they work extremely well,” Kilpi recommends.
2. Ventilate efficiently
Ventilation is recommended only when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature. Late in the evening, early in the morning or during the night is usually the best time to air out your home.
“As a rule, the most effective method is to create a cross-draught by ventilating from the shaded side of the apartment. At the same time, it is important to remember that the apartment door leading to the stairwell must not be left open for ventilation,” Kilpi says.
Fifteen minutes of ventilation is sufficient. There is no need to keep windows or the balcony door open any longer than that.
“You should always close your windows before leaving home. This keeps street dust, pollen, insects and rainwater outside, exactly where they belong,” Kilpi notes.
If you are ventilating through the balcony, make sure to open all balcony glazing panels if your balcony is glazed. Otherwise, the enclosed balcony can quickly heat up like a sauna. A glazed balcony can raise the temperature around the apartment to as much as 40–60°C.
Air circulation can also be improved with fans, and portable cooling devices can help regulate the temperature. However, they should always be used with care.
“Condensation from cooling devices collects in a water tank that must be emptied regularly. Cooling devices should never be left unattended while operating, as the worst-case scenario is water damage caused by overflowing condensation. Electrical appliances should never be left running unattended,” Kilpi reminds.
3. Avoid generating extra heat
On hot days, or at least during the hottest hours, it is best to avoid using heat-generating appliances such as the oven, sauna, tumble dryer or even the iron.
Humidity also makes warm indoor air feel more uncomfortable.
“Long, hot showers are not recommended, and you should avoid drying laundry inside the apartment if you have the option of using a drying room or drying it outside on the balcony in the sunshine,” Kilpi says.
4. Keep the air flowing
Make sure your home’s ventilation system is working properly. Keep the supply and exhaust air vents clean, as dust build-up reduces airflow. Wiping the vents with a damp cloth is usually enough.
“If you are unsure whether the vents are clean, ask your property manager or maintenance service for assistance. At Lumo homes, this can easily be done through the My Lumo service,” Kilpi advises.
5. Cool your body
There are many ways to cool yourself down. Staying hydrated by drinking cold beverages throughout the day and taking a quick cold shower before bedtime are both effective ways to lower your body temperature.
“You can also put your bed sheets in the freezer for a while before going to bed,” Kilpi suggests.
If these measures do not help and you still feel that your apartment is uncomfortably hot, please contact your property’s maintenance service.
For more information: Ville Kilpi, Director, Residents and Service, Lumo Homes plc, tel. +358 20 508 3407, ville.kilpi@lumo.fi
Lumo Homes plc is Finland’s largest residential real estate company and a bold innovator in urban living. Our homes are located in the largest growth centres, with excellent transport connections and diverse services nearby. We invest in sustainable, modern and digital solutions that make life in a rental home smooth and flexible. We create better urban living by delivering the best customer experience. Lumo – simply the right home.
Lumo Homes plc´s shares are listed on the official list of Nasdaq Helsinki. For more information: https://yritys.lumo.fi/en