As temperatures soar in the UK this week, many Brits are resorting to turning their fans on full blast or cranking up the air conditioning (for those lucky enough to have it).
One common tactic is to open the windows wide in an attempt to circulate some cool air. However, it’s important to consider the risks involved, as doing so could potentially invalidate your home insurance.
Nat White, head of brand communications at Rated People, a website that connects users with tradespeople, warns, “Many people open their windows and doors to cool their homes down when it’s hot. Not only will this leave homes vulnerable to opportunistic thieves, but if you are unlucky enough to experience a burglary, your insurance company may refuse to pay out.”
According to Rated People, there were over 191,000 recorded residential burglaries in 2022. With open windows and doors, homes across the country become even more susceptible to theft, as intruders can gain access without having to force their way in.
Nat explains, “When it comes to home insurance policies covering break-ins, some homeowners might find themselves unable to claim back the cost of their stolen goods if the insurance company finds no signs of forced entry. This could potentially leave homeowners thousands of pounds out of pocket and cause significant distress.”
Understandably, homeowners may be tempted to leave doors and windows open in order to cool down their homes during warmer weather. However, this can make it easier for intruders to enter through open windows, unlocked doors, or even unlocked garage doors. Therefore, Rated People advises homeowners to thoroughly check their homes and ensure that all windows and doors are secure.
In addition, Rated People offers some security tips to keep in mind during the warmer weather. They advise against leaving patio or back doors wide open when working from home, suggest installing a security camera, and recommend keeping doors and windows locked when leaving the property.
Nat adds, “If you do leave your home for any reason, even if it’s just to pop to the shop around the corner or take the dog out for a quick walk around the block, it’s best to make sure you lock your doors and shut your windows as you don’t know who might be trying their luck.”
The weather is expected to cool down across the UK tomorrow, with temperatures dropping from a high of 31C in London today (Sunday, September 10) to 27C on Monday.