Energy company British Gas is warning its customers to keep their homes cool using a very unusual method: not to leave food in the kitchen.

With the Met Office predicting sweltering temperatures of up to 34°C for parts of England and the rest of the UK on Monday, most of us are trying hard not to make our already hot homes any warmer.

In addition to the usual advice about closing windows and curtains and using cold drinks to cool down, British Gas has also issued a tip on how and where you can eat to avoid heating up your home.

Customers were advised to stick to salads or to cook outside on the grill on already hot evenings rather than running the oven or stovetop hot.

The energy company said: “Eat your meals outdoors. Using the oven or hob can generate extra heat. Instead of heating up your kitchen unnecessarily, make the most of warm summer evenings in the garden. Fire up the barbecue or prepare a healthy summer salad.”

Another tip concerns the clothes you wear in hot weather. Loose, light clothing is better, and a dehumidifier can also help lower the temperature inside the air.

It continues: “Wear loose, light clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton and linen. Place an ice pack, chilled hot water bottle or cold cloth on your wrists and feet for instant cooling. And if it’s really stuffy inside, consider using a dehumidifier. It will remove moisture from the air and allow your skin to breathe better.”