Stay cool, comfortable and ready for the future

Rising temperatures are changing the way we live. From sweltering summer nights to uncomfortably warm work-from-home days, heat is becoming a year-round concern. The good news? There are simple, stylish, and effective ways to keep your home cool, comfortable, and prepared for the years ahead.

Sleepless summer nights are becoming the norm

It’s 3 a.m. The air is heavy, the sheets cling to your skin, and the fan only stirs warm air around the room. You are not alone. According to recent research by VELUX, three in four Europeans say extreme heat is affecting their daily lives.

Yet, instead of upgrading their homes, most people are simply adjusting their routines, like shifting working hours, moving to cooler rooms, or avoiding certain spaces altogether. While these coping methods may offer temporary relief, they are not long-term solutions.

A generational shift in attitudes

The VELUX research reveals a clear divide. Younger generations (70% of Gen Z and 56% of Millennials) see heat protection as a necessity, not a luxury, and are willing to invest in properties with features such as improved ventilation, shading, and insulation.

By contrast, only 11% of homeowners have upgraded or plan to upgrade their homes for extreme heat. Renters, however, are leading demand: over half would pay more for a property with effective heat protection, and nearly one-third would pay an additional 1–10% in rent for the added comfort.

Heat protection matters for well-being

Excessive heat impacts far more than comfort — it affects sleep quality, productivity, and mood. Nearly half of renters (47%) and 40% of homeowners report poor sleep during hot weather. Over time, poor rest can affect physical health, mental well-being, and work performance.

As Europe’s summers grow hotter, keeping homes cool is no longer simply a comfort choice — it’s an investment in health, resilience, and property value.

Thinking of your home as a living system

Your home should adapt to the seasons. While air conditioning can help, it is not always the most practical, affordable, or sustainable option. Passive cooling methods work with your home’s design to minimise heat build-up and encourage natural airflow. These include:

• Ventilation at optimal times of day
• Shading to block sunlight before it enters
• Heat-reflective materials to maintain indoor comfort

These strategies do not require major renovations — many can be achieved through straightforward, retrofit-friendly upgrades.

The VELUX Heat Protection Range

With over 80 years of expertise in daylight and ventilation solutions, VELUX combines design, science, and everyday living comfort. Their heat protection products help you enjoy natural light without unwanted heat.

1. External Heat Protection Awning Blinds Stop the sun’s rays before they reach the glass, reducing heat intake by up to 78% while maintaining natural daylight without glare. Perfect for lofts, kitchens, or home offices.
2. Anti-Heat Blackout Shutters Ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, or media rooms, these shutters block a significant portion of both heat and light, ensuring cooler nights, improved rest, and energy savings.
3. Blackout Energy Blinds With a unique honeycomb structure, these blinds reduce heat coming in during the summer, whilst retaining warmth in winter – improving comfort all year round while reducing energy bills.

Expert Tips for better ventilation

VELUX research shows that 60% of Europeans do not ventilate their homes effectively. To maximise airflow in summer:

• Open windows 3–5 times daily for 15–30 minutes.
• Ventilate early in the morning and late in the evening when temperatures are lower.
• Create cross-ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of your home.
• Open windows fully rather than tilting for faster air exchange.

An investment for the future

Whether you’re renovating, building, or letting a property, heat protection is now essential. The VELUX range is designed for easy retrofitting, allowing you to upgrade one room at a time or your whole home.

Cool, bright, and comfortable

Picture waking to softly filtered daylight, with fresh air flowing through a roof window that opened automatically before sunrise. Your home feels light, airy, and refreshingly cool, even in the height of summer.

With the right heat protection and ventilation, this can be your reality for every foreseeable summer.
Explore the full VELUX Heat Protection range and discover solutions designed to keep your home cool, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish.