The TikTok heatwave hacks that could invalidate your home insurance

As hot weather returns to the UK this week, following a record-breaking 37.7°C on 26 June 2026 [1], the hunt for ways to stay cool has never been more urgent. Heatwave hacks are racking up hundreds of millions of views on TikTok: from ice bowls in front of fans to cheap portable air coolers left running overnight. 

But while most of these hacks are safe, Go.Compare's home insurance expert Tamzin Metcalfe is warning that some of the most shared ones carry a genuine insurance risk that most people would never think to check: 

“When the weather is truly unbearably hot, it’s completely understandable that people will try almost anything to cool down. But you have to use your head, be sensible, and not get taken in by viral trends. Even when the weather is scorching and the humidity feels stifling, you can’t afford to forget basic safety measures - and that includes checking whether a quick fix could completely invalidate your home insurance policy.” 

Viral TikTok heatwave hacks and the insurance risks you should know 

Here’s a breakdown of some of TikTok’s most popular heatwave hacks: 

1. Leaving windows or doors open overnight for air flow

Oneof TikTok’s most common heatwave hacks, with hundreds of thousands of views, presents a genuine insurance risk. Leaving a window or door open overnight to help bring a breeze inside might help to keep your rooms cool, but if a burglar enters your property through an open door, any claim you try to make on your insurance will probably be rejected. 

2. Cheap unbranded electrical coolers & DIYfans

TikTokShop has become a huge player in the e-commerce market, with over 1.5 million [2] British businesses using the platform. The platform has become a one stop shop for a range of items, including fans, many of which are budget and unbranded.  

While there’s generally nothing wrong with using unbranded or DIY products, it can be difficult to confirm their quality and leaving them running for extended periods unattended can pose a fire risk. If a claim is made, insurers might dispute it due to appliance misuse or an uncertified product use. 

3. Placing water near electrical appliances

Another common cooling hack with millions of views is putting a bowl or water, or even a wet cloth onto or in front of, a fan, to make the air it blows, colder. This is a serious health and safety issue. Should the water spill onto electrical components like plugs and sockets, it could cause electric shock, damage the appliance, or even short circuit and start an electrical fire. 

4. Covering windows with foil

This heatwave hack appeals to many DIY doers and generates thousands of views. TikTokers can be seen laying kitchen foil across windows to block out the sun and keep rooms cool. What they don’t tell you is that if the foil is attached directly to the inside of windows, it can create thermal stress and result in cracked glass. Insurers could refuse to cover this damage if it’s considered preventable.   

“When it’s baking outside and you're melting on the sofa, you’ll try just about anything to cool down - but you need to remember the golden rules of home safety. Never combine water with electronics, and be incredibly careful with cheap fans or coolers bought from unregistered online sellers, as they are a major hazard to run all night. Instead of putting foil on your windows and risking cracked glass, keep it simple. Just shut your blinds or curtains during the day to keep the heat at bay. There are plenty of safe, traditional ways to keep your house cool without risking your property or your insurance cover.” - Tamzin Metcalfe.