Staying Cool(ish) Without Air Conditioning
We’ve written about next week’s heatwave and how to take care of ourselves, check in on our neighbors, and care for our pets.
In one of these articles, we mentioned that there are people on fixed incomes who maybe can’t afford to run their AC or don’t even have one. A couple of those people have DM’ed us asking for ideas on how to keep as comfortable as possible.
These are tips that have worked for us in the past and some that we’ve culled from the internet which should help to take the edge off.
Cover Your Windows
Leaving windows uncovered during the day allows a lot of heat to enter your home. When the sun is shining brightly, it’s best to keep blinds and curtains closed. Using shades, insulated curtains, or window films is even more effective, as they also provide benefits during winter. Window films reflect most of the heat from outside, reducing the amount of heat that passes through the glass.
Use Fans Correctly and Optimize Ceiling Fan Direction
Fans can help cool your home if used correctly. For a window box fan, have it blow into the room during the coolest hours, usually at night, and outward during the hottest parts of the day. In the summer, set your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise to pull hot air up and out.
If you have two floors, heat rises, so opening windows on the top floor and placing box or window fans blowing outward can help expel hot air.
Bonus Tip: Place a bowl of ice or an ice pack in front of the fan to enjoy a cool breeze.
Turn on Your Exhaust Fans
This tip is effective if your exhaust fans are properly installed. Kitchen exhaust fans that vent outside and bathroom fans can draw heat and humidity away from your house. Use these fans more during the day in summer to help cool your home.
Keep The Lights Off
Incandescent bulbs are inefficient, with 90% of their energy emitted as heat. Switching to LED bulbs can help cool your home and lower your energy bill. Turn off lamps or overhead lights when not in use.
Avoid Heat-Producing Appliances
Avoid using the oven, and opt for grilling outdoors or preparing meals that don’t require much heating, like cold salads, veggies, and stir-fry. If you use a dryer, run it at night, and do the same for the dishwasher.
Open Windows at Night
After sunset, open your windows to take advantage of any cool night breeze. Remember to close the windows and curtains before the sun rises.
Cool Your Bed Down
Beds can trap heat, especially as your body heat transfers to the mattress and pillows at night. Keeping your head cool is crucial for comfort. Use a cooling pillow to wick away body heat and moisture. Buckwheat pillows, with their natural air pockets, do not trap heat like traditional pillows. Cotton or linen sheets can also help you stay cooler by quickly absorbing moisture.
This is also a good time to try the ice bowl in front of the fan trick.
Stay Low to Stay Cool
Hot air rises, so sleeping on the lowest floor of your home can be the coolest option. If you have a basement, consider sleeping there. Alternatively, putting your mattress on the floor can take advantage of the cooler air.
Manage Your Body Temperature
Besides cooling the room, focus on keeping your body temperature down. Apply ice packs or cold compresses to pulse points like your neck and wrists. Stay hydrated with cool water and non-alcoholic drinks. Choose loose, breathable cotton fabrics and light colors that don’t absorb heat.