This air conditioning became a reliable ally during the recent heat waves, turning stifling interiors into livable spaces. Homes without cooling can feel like ovens when temperatures spike, so a few practical steps help keep rooms comfortable without relying on heavy power use.
For those facing financial or health reasons, some people choose to live without air conditioning. If that describes you, here are seven simple tips to renovate your home and make heat waves more bearable.
Homemade tricks to cool the house without air conditioning.
1. Keep the blinds closed and the curtains drawn
When night air has cooled the home or the morning breeze has begun, close the blinds and draw the curtains to prevent strong sunlight from heating the rooms. The goal is to keep the indoor temperature close to the cooler outdoor air. Choose light colored fabrics that reflect heat rather than absorb it. If you have a balcony, a sunshade or awning is an excellent sun protection option.
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2. Pay Attention to Fabrics
Beyond curtains, refresh fabrics in living spaces. If a home makeover is in order, replace bed sheets, throws, and upholstery with white or light colored fabrics made from cotton or linen. Lighter tones reflect heat and feel cooler to the touch.
Tips for cooling the house without air conditioning.
3. The classic trick: a fan with ice
A fan paired with ice and a pinch of salt can create a refreshing breeze. Place a metal bowl of ice near the fan, ideally by a window, to direct cooler air into the room. Salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, helping maintain a cooler microclimate around the fan.
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4. Avoid turning on every device
White goods can act as hidden heat sources. While essential items like refrigerators or computers are unavoidable, minimize use of the dishwasher, iron, oven, and even the television during peak heat hours.
Tips for cooling the house without air conditioning.
5. Create natural air currents
Open the windows that face the street to create a cross breeze, while keeping interior windows slightly closed. Let air flow in through one window and exit through another to establish a natural current that cools the home without mechanical help.
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6. Ceiling fans
Ceiling fans work best when blades rotate counterclockwise in the summer to push air downward, creating a cooling effect. In winter, reverse direction to distribute warm air more evenly. Regularly check that blades are balanced and functioning smoothly.
Tips for cooling the house without air conditioning.
7. Plants as natural air conditioners
Strategic greenery can reduce heat gain. Place large leafy plants on balconies or near windows to shade walls and lower indoor temperatures. Greenery adds a touch of life while helping the home feel cooler, pairing well with other cooling strategies.
Note: no external links are included in this article. Information is provided with clear practical steps to comfort during heat waves.