As temperatures rise this bank holiday weekend, many are wondering whether to keep their windows open or closed - seven experts have weighed in with the same key home cooling advice07:25, 22 May 2026With temperatures forecast to hit over 25C across much of the UK this bank holiday weekend, plenty of people will be thinking about how to stay cool.‌The reliable fan is always a solid choice, though it does come with some caveats. But what about fresh air? When it's scorching outside, should you keep your windows open or not?‌To shed some light on this age-old dilemma, I consulted seven experts. And while their responses varied slightly, they all arrived at broadly the same conclusion, reports the Liverpool Echo.‌What the experts saidThe general consensus was that windows shouldn't be kept open all of the time. Interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets and Floors, Johanna Constantinou, said leaving them open is a significant error.Johanna said: "During a heatwave, one of the biggest mistakes people make is having all the windows open during the hottest part of the day.""In most homes, it's actually far more effective to keep windows, curtains and blinds closed from late morning through to early evening to stop warm air and direct sunlight building up indoors. Then, once temperatures drop in the evening, open windows strategically on opposite sides of the home to create cross ventilation and let cooler air circulate naturally."‌This advice was echoed by Martyn Bridges, Director of External Affairs at Worcester Bosch, who commented: "During a heatwave, people should generally keep windows closed during the hottest parts of the day, particularly in rooms exposed to direct sunlight."Blinds or curtains should also be kept closed during the day to help block out direct sunlight and prevent rooms from becoming too hot. This helps reduce solar gain, where the sun warms the home and causes indoor temperatures to rise."‌Deciding whether to keep windows open or closed is crucial, especially for those attempting to sleep at night or work from home during the day.On this matter, Vitality Health's Dr Katie Tryon stated: "There are several things you can do to help yourself stay cool at night. Firstly, it's important to keep your bedroom cool. Drawing curtains and blinds during the day and keeping windows closed if in direct sunlight to stop hot air getting in can help. When night comes and the air gets cooler, leaving the window ajar to let a cool breeze in can also make it easier to sleep."Regarding sleep, however, it's vital not to rely solely on fans or open windows, with Dr Punam Krishnan, working in association with Stannah, cautioning that physical preparation was equally essential alongside ventilation.‌She said: "While methods such as opening windows and using electric fans to cool your room's temperature are widely recognised, it's important to also focus on cooling down your body, as well as your surroundings, to maintain a high sleep quality during the summer months. "This advice against keeping windows open constantly was echoed by Hillarys product expert Victoria Robinson, who stated: "There are several things you can do to help yourself stay cool at night. Firstly, it's important to keep your bedroom cool."Drawing curtains and blinds during the day and keeping windows closed if in direct sunlight to stop hot air getting in can help. When night comes and the air gets cooler, leaving the window ajar to let a cool breeze in can also make it easier to sleep."‌Victoria recommended opening windows on opposite sides of your home during the evening rather than throughout the day, which creates what is known as a cross-breeze, allowing air to flow freely through the space.She said: "Once temperatures start to drop in the evening, that's the best time to open windows and allow cooler air to circulate through your home. Creating a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the house can help cool rooms down more quickly."‌Reach Plc also consulted the University of Derby to obtain their perspective on the matter. Professor Chris Sansom, an expert in renewable energy storage, recommended that taking a tactical approach was one solution.He explained: Give thought to the windows in your house that you're opening. For example, opening windows on the opposite sides of your home can create a much-needed, cooling cross-breeze."For even better results, try opening your windows at night-time and closing them during the day to trap cooler air inside and keep it circulating. During daylight hours, open windows on the shaded side of your home to reduce the amount of heat and sunlight entering your home."Article continues belowFinally, there's another justification for not keeping all of your windows open, security. The Perspicacity Life's Craig Andres said: "Temperatures are set to soar over the bank holiday weekend and while it's tempting for households to leave windows open, it's important not to overlook home security."Simple security mistakes such as leaving keys in locks or within reach of open windows, leaving doors unlocked, or windows ajar create easy opportunities for burglars, and more than a quarter of summer burglaries are linked to these oversights."VerdictSo, whether it's enhancing your quality of sleep, maintaining a comfortable temperature, or simply keeping your home safe, it's arguably better to avoid leaving windows open around the clock. Come evening, however, opening windows on both sides of your home to create a cross-breeze can prove an effective way to cool things down.