Best cooling for lofts and top floor rooms

Lofts and top floor rooms heat up quickly and often stay hot into the night. Cooling them needs a mix of shading, ventilation and targeted gear.

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Category questions

Why are top floor rooms so hot in summer

Roof spaces absorb heat from the sun then pass it down into the rooms below. Warm air also rises, so heat from the rest of the house ends up on the top floor.

What is the best way to cool a loft bedroom

Start with blackout blinds or reflective window coverings, then use evening ventilation and a good fan near the bed. If that is not enough, a portable air conditioner may be worth it for the hottest weeks of the year.