Updates from Citizens Advice North East Kent July 2026

When the weather heats up there are times when the temperature in our home can become unbearable. An overheating home can make life very uncomfortable and could even have a negative impact on your health. Here are some simple steps you can take to help make your surroundings more bearable when the temperature rises. Let cool air in Open windows on opposite sides of your home to encourage air flow by letting warm air out and cooler air in. It’s best to do this overnight or early in the morning when the temperature outside tends to be cooler than it is inside. If you have a loft, opening the hatch can be a good way of letting heat escape. If you live in a property where you can only open one window, open internal doors to help the air circulate. Keep the sunshine out One of the most effective (and low cost) ways of keeping your home cool is to close your curtains or blinds on the side of the house where the sun is shining. Keep windows on all sides closed when it's warmer outside than it is inside. Use a fan Fans help circulate the air and create a breeze making your surroundings feel more pleasant. They are cheap to use - generally costing less than 2p an hour to run. Putting a fan by an open window can help draw fresh air into your home if the temperature outside is cooler. Placing a bowl of ice cubes or ice packs in front of - but a safe distance from - a fan can help lower the temperature of the air circulating around the room. Escape the heat altogether If things get really unbearable, you might want to consider heading to the nearest air conditioned building if possible - such as a leisure centre or local library to escape the heat. Insulation can help Energy efficient homes are easier to keep comfortable year-round. A well-insulated property can help prevent unwanted heat from entering during the summer, while retaining warmth during the winter. You may be entitled to help with paying for improvements to make your property more energy efficient. You can contact us to ask our Energy Team for information about the schemes and grants that are available. How can we help you? Drop-in sessions (no appointment necessary): Sittingbourne Mondays 10am-12pm - Swale House Tuesdays 11.30am-1.30pm - Murston Family Hub Sheppey Tuesdays 10am-12pm - Sheppey Gateway (except the second Tuesday of every month, which is held at Sheerness East Working Mens Club) Faversham Wednesdays & Fridays 10am-12pm - 43 Stone Street, Faversham Thursdays 10am-12pm - West Faversham Community Centre Telephone advice: Call Adviceline on freephone 0808 278 7979 (Monday-Friday 10am-3.30pm) Email advice & specialist debt advice: Contact us online at canek.org.uk Citizens Advice North East Kent operates across Canterbury district, Swale and Thanet. If you live or work in any of these areas we can support you. To stay up to date with our opening times, please visit canek.org.uk or follow us on Facebook.