Beat The Heat: Cool Loft Bedroom Ideas

Keeping a loft bedroom cool can be a challenge, especially in the summer months. Lofts are often the warmest room in the house due to their high ceilings and open spaces, which allow heat to rise and become trapped. To cool a loft bedroom, it is important to focus on proper ventilation, insulation, and blocking direct sunlight. Here are some tips to help you beat the heat in your loft bedroom.

Install an air conditioning unit

Installing an air conditioning unit is an effective way to cool down a loft bedroom. Here are some detailed instructions on how to install a split AC system:

Firstly, it is important to select the right location for the indoor unit. Choose a spot on an interior wall that is unobstructed and away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Ensure there is at least 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) of space around the unit for proper airflow. The unit should be installed high on the wall, approximately 7 feet (2.1 m) off the floor, with the cool air able to flow through the home easily. It is also important to keep the airflow uninterrupted, so avoid placing the unit behind furniture or doors.

Once you have selected the location, secure the mounting plate to the wall. Use a level to ensure it is straight, mark the screw holes, and then drill holes into the wall. Position the plate over the holes and secure it with screws. Drill a 3-inch (7.6 cm) hole through the centre of the mounting plate, sloping slightly downwards to ensure adequate drainage. Check for any pipes or wires behind the wall before drilling.

Now, you can begin to connect the indoor unit. Check the electrical connections, ensuring the wiring matches the diagram provided. Run the pipes, power cable, and drain pipe through the hole in the wall and connect them to the unit. Secure them with electrical tape, placing the drain pipe at the bottom. Minimise the number of bends in the pipes and cable to ensure optimal performance.

Secure the indoor unit to the mounting plate by aligning the female connections on the unit with the male connections on the plate. Press firmly to secure the unit in place, tilting it backward by 2-3 degrees to allow water to flow out of the drain pipe.

For the outdoor condenser, position it within 50 feet (15 m) of the indoor unit. Place it on a concrete pad to keep it stable and level, using a rubber cushion to minimise vibration. Connect the electrical wiring, pipes, and power cable, following the instruction manual. Finally, bleed the air and humidity from the refrigerant circuit and seal the hole in the wall with expanding polyurethane foam.

Now, you can turn on the unit and enjoy the cool air! Remember to refer to the instruction manual if you have any issues.

Improve ventilation

Loft bedrooms can be a challenge to keep cool, especially in the summer months. The heat generated in lower rooms rises and gets trapped in the loft, and the high ceilings can make it difficult to escape. However, there are several ways to improve ventilation and keep your loft bedroom cool.

Firstly, consider the placement of windows and fans. If you are planning a loft conversion, adding as many windows as possible is a great way to improve airflow. Roof windows, in particular, are designed to improve airflow with ventilation flaps that allow fresh air in while keeping the window shut. Dormer windows can also improve air circulation, but be sure to check regulations for window openings and privacy. If you are unable to add more windows, simply opening windows during the summer months is essential for ensuring good airflow through the room. Place fans near the windows to pull in the cool air from outside and push out the warm air from inside. Oscillating portable fans can also be used to encourage air movement and create a wind-chill effect. Ceiling fans are another effective option, forcing air to move and mixing warm air pockets with cool air to even out the temperature. Ceiling fans can be set to spin in a particular direction, so be sure to set them to pull cooler air up from the floor.

Another way to improve ventilation is to install a solar attic fan. These are powered by solar energy and help to ventilate your attic and reduce heat build-up. Traditional non-solar fans can also be used, and placing them in different positions can be effective. Place one fan near the vent, install another on the roof, and another on the wall.

In addition to fans and windows, vents can also improve ventilation in your loft bedroom. Installing several vents in various positions can cool down the space by moving hot air out of the room and allowing cooler air inside. You can use different types of vents or combine ridge, gable, and soffit vents.

By implementing these ventilation strategies, you can improve the airflow in your loft bedroom and create a more comfortable and cool environment, even during the hottest months of the year.

Block out sunlight

Blocking sunlight is a great way to keep your loft bedroom cool. Here are some methods to achieve this:

Curtains

Curtains are an excellent way to block sunlight while adding a decorative touch to your loft bedroom. Opt for thicker, darker-coloured fabrics such as black or navy cotton or polyester curtains, as they will be more effective at blocking sunlight than lighter-coloured, thinner fabrics. If you want to completely block out the sun, consider investing in paneled blackout curtains. You can also use Velcro strips to keep the curtains closed in the middle, ensuring maximum light blockage.

Blinds

Blinds are another effective and relatively inexpensive option to block sunlight. Vinyl, PV, aluminium, or wood blinds can be installed by measuring the window, attaching the brackets, and installing the head rail. Cordless fabric blinds tend to be better at blocking sunlight than vinyl blinds. If you want to completely block the sun, you can purchase blackout blinds. Alternatively, you can partially block the sun by twisting the blind wand to open the blinds slightly and let some light in.

Shutters

Mounting interior or exterior shutters is a great way to block sunlight and reduce your energy costs. Shutters come in various materials, such as wood, steel, aluminium, and vinyl, and are available at different price points. Interior shutters are a stylish alternative to curtains and will block most of the sun while still allowing some natural light into the room.

Awnings

Installing awnings outside your windows is an effective way to limit sunlight. Metal, wood, and canvas awnings typically require weather-resistant coating and maintenance every 4 to 6 years. Acrylic and PV awnings are more resistant to mildew and fading and are generally easier to maintain. Awnings are a good option if you want to reduce sunlight while still being able to see out of the window.

Window Film

Applying tinted window film is a great option if you want to block some sunlight while maintaining your view. Measure the height and width of the glass portion of the window, cut the film to size, and then peel off the protective layer before sticking it to the window. Using a hairdryer can help the film adhere more securely. Tinted window film is widely available online and at home improvement stores.

Other Options

There are also other creative ways to block sunlight from your loft bedroom:

• Frost the window with spray paint: Spraying the window with frost spray paint will block some sunlight while still allowing a bit of light to shine through. It's also a great way to add privacy and prevent people from looking in.
• Use cardboard or aluminium foil: Covering the windows with cardboard or aluminium foil is a quick, inexpensive, and energy-efficient way to block sunlight. Simply use painter's tape to adhere the cardboard or foil to the window frame or wall.

Insulation

Firstly, check your existing loft insulation. If you have none, or it is insufficient, you will need to install more. Most lofts will already have insulation and it is often easy to install yourself. Measure the thickness of the insulation; it should be around 2.7cm. If you can’t do this, simply walk around your loft room and see if you can feel any heat spots coming through, or cold and breezy spots if you’re checking in the winter. If you have a converted loft, your builder will have taken care of the particulars such as insulation, but it is still worth checking.

If you need to install or top up your insulation, consider using a radiant barrier insulation. This reflects radiant heat, rather than absorbing it, which can help reduce the temperature in the attic by reflecting the heat away from your living space.

Make sure you have good-quality insulation in your loft, as this will ensure that cool air can’t escape your home. Many loft’s boarding squashes insulation, preventing it from working effectively. Raised loft boarding is a perfect solution to help protect your insulation by providing an air gap between the floorboarding and the insulation to prevent compression. This raised StoreFloor boarding will allow your insulation to retain its full depth and work properly, keeping your loft cool.

If you have any cracks or holes in your loft space, plug them with weatherproof caulk. This will prevent hot outside air from seeping in and will also prevent water damage.

Ceiling fans

To get the most out of your ceiling fan, it is recommended to buy an Energy Star-certified model, as these are 60% more energy-efficient than ordinary ceiling fans. They are also better in terms of motor and blade design.

If you have a big room, opt for a bigger model with longer blades, as these have more airflow efficiency. If your room is small, go for a smaller fan with shorter blades.

It is also important to note that ceiling fans are noisy and can be difficult to clean. They also might not fit in with the aesthetic of your room.

To cool a loft bedroom, you should set your ceiling fan to rotate counter-clockwise in the summer. This forces the air to move downward, increasing air circulation and making you feel a cool breeze.

In the winter, set your fan to rotate clockwise. This pushes the cold air up, making your room feel warmer.

Frequently asked questions