Are you sick and tired of expensive energy bills in summer? Do you want environmentally friendly ways to stay cool – and are proven to work? You’re in luck! There are some incredibly easy ways to stay cool without air conditioning.
It’s possible to manage your home’s climate with or without air conditioning. You can reduce your expenses to a lower level without going crazy in the heat. From simple tips and tricks like a cold rag, through to making the most of your fans and blinds, keeping cool is possible for anyone.
We paired up with the experts at Upside Down to put together six quality tips on how to cool yourself without air conditioning.
Use Blinds to Keep the Sun Out
During the hottest months, around 75% of the sunlight that falls on the average window ends up entering the home as heat. If you place your hand on a window in summer, you will be able to instantly feel how much heat is in and around the glass.
However, using blinds, shadecloth or window coverings will provide an extra layer of heat protection. The sunlight will be reflected. It will not have an opportunity to even touch the glass and pass heat into your home.
To maximise the coolness, close the blinds or curtains early in the day. It’s best to keep the heat out in the morning so the house is still cool during afternoon peaks. If you do want to enjoy natural light, though, open blinds on the shaded side of a building.
You can also use plants as a natural layer of protection against sunlight and heat, or reflective window films. These films can easily be purchased from a hardware store and applied by hand.
Use Ceiling Fans and Portable Fans
Although central cooling itself can be expensive, ceiling fans and portable fans provide a far more cost-effective solution. Ceiling fans offer fuss-free operation. They push down additional cooled air, and by maintaining a steady airflow, your home does not become stagnant and stuffy.
For some of us, keeping cool just involves moving air. Smaller portable fans are also super convenient. Place it anywhere and you have a direct stream of cooled air. And if you place a bowl of ice or a cooled cloth in front of it, you can create a cheap air conditioner! The fan will blow that chilled air straight into your face.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Cool Foods
Water is key to staying cool. When you get hot you sweat more to help lower the body’s surface body temperature. However, excessive sweating will lead to dehydration in extreme heat.
Therefore, consistent water drinking will keep you cooler and refreshed. On a hot day, drink around eight 8-ounce cups of water. You might even need to drink a gallon or more if you’re active.
Additionally, try to eat water-rich foods like watermelon or cucumber. Fresh foods will keep you cool. Be sure to avoid heavy foods, including red meat.
Place Cold Cloths on Pulse Points
You can quickly cool your body down by targeting key pulse points with a cold cloth. All you have to do is place it on strong pulse areas such as the wrists, back of the neck, armpits or back of the knees, ankles and the groin. These are the areas where blood vessels are closest to the skin’s surface and a cold press will take away excess heat quickest.
Even using a chilled spray bottle will help keep moisture on your skin – without sweating it all out. Think about it, spraying yourself with cold water does the same thing that sweating does. You’re just retaining the water that would normally be lost as sweat. That’s a plus for hydration.
Turn the Lights Off
When country crooner Josh Turner said “baby lock the door and turn the lights down low,” he made a smart, smart statement. Lightbulbs can actually create a surprising amount of heat. Old incandescent globes are particularly problematic.
Cool down by turning your lights off, or at least dimming them. It will reduce the heat energy produced inside. It’s a quick and easy step in reducing a room’s temperature. Sure, it won’t keep you ice cold but it means there is less warm air milling about.
Sleep Lightly Under the Covers
Summer grumpiness is a real thing and your poor sleeping habits are probably to blame. Hot and sweaty nights in bed lead to tossing, turning and an all-round restless sleep.
First up, ditch the winter sheets and heavy quilt. Cotton is the best summer fabric, providing extra breathability. You’ll sweat less under the covers. And if you’re yet to take off the extra winter blankets and thickened quilt, swap them now! Give yourself some room to breathe.
Similarly, cotton pyjamas are better in summer than silk or flannel. A light pair of shorts and shirt leads to a relaxed night’s rest.
