When faced with power outages, extreme heat, or a desire to save money, it’s possible to stay comfortable without relying on artificial cooling in your home. And it is more than just a matter of comfort; high temperatures can be harmful to the body, leading to heat-related illnesses like hyperthermia, which is our body over-heating, sometimes actually elevating our internal body temperature. Here are some effective methods to keep cool without air conditioning:
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps the body cool itself through sweating, even if the water itself is not cold. Sweating is our bodies natural cooling mechanism and actually a good and helpful thing, but it can lead to dehydration.
Take Cold Showers or Baths
Lower your core temperature by taking cool or cold showers or baths.
Use Cold Washrags & Cooling Towels
Apply cold washrags or ice packs to pulse points like wrists and neck to cool down quickly.
There are also products called “cooling towels”, and “cooling head and neck bands” that work quite well.
Utilize Box, Freestanding & Ceiling Fans
We know that fans use electricity or batteries, but they are an alternative to air conditioners. Place box fans facing out of windows to blow hot air outside, and to use to circulate cooler air indoors.
If you have a ceiling fan, make sure it is rotating the right way for the warmer months. The ceiling fan direction in summer should be counterclockwise to help create a downdraft, which creates that direct, cooling breeze. Your fan direction in winter should be clockwise to create an updraft and circulate warm air around the room.
Use Exhaust Fans
Speaking of fans, turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen or bathroom to draw out hot air and steam.
Close Curtains or Blinds
Block direct sunlight by closing curtains or blinds on windows facing the sun. Opaque curtains and ones made from energy-efficient materials help keep your home insulated against extreme temperatures and are an effective “green” way to cut the costs of your utility bills. (They work for heat retention in winter, too).
Unplug Appliances
Unplug larger appliances, such as the washer, dryer, and dishwasher, when not in use, as they generate heat even when turned off. Also, unplug smaller appliances like chargers and lamps when they’re not needed.
Choose Your Linens & Pillows Carefully
Breathable materials like 100% cotton and linen for sheets, pillows and blankets can help you stay cool while sleeping.
There are many cooling pillows on the market that take advantage of natural materials, and also on high tech materials. Do your research but look for terms like “cooling memory foam”, “cooling latex”, “cooling gel”, “water-filled cooling pillows,” and “phase change cooling pillows”.
Sleep in the Basement or Lower Floors
Heat rises and very often the lowest level of the house is the coolest. This might even be the basement. While your bedrooms might not be on those floors, camp out on a cot when needed.
Avoid Refrigerating or Freezing Blankets
You might be tempted to put a damp T-shirt in the fridge or freezer, thinking the cold clothing will help. Experts suggest not doing this as they won’t stay cool for long and may cause dampness and mold.
Close Unused Room Doors
Keep cool air confined to occupied areas by closing doors to unused rooms.
Install Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
Switch to LED light bulbs, as they generate less heat compared to incandescent bulbs.
Plan When You Cook & How You Cook
Cook in the morning when it is typically cooler, use a slow cooker, or grill outdoors to prevent spreading heat throughout the house.
Enjoy Frozen Treats in Moderation
Experts tell us that while frozen treats provide temporary relief, excessive sugar intake can trigger internal heat build-up. We say, have an ice cream! Especially out of the house. You get the air conditioned car, an air conditioned ice cream shop, and a frozen dessert. Win-win-win!
Get Out of The House
Take a break and eat out in an air conditioned restaurant. Go to the air conditioned movies.
Instead of your daily road walk, walk the air-conditioned mall.
It costs nothing to go to air conditioned libraries and cooling centers, which might be set up during extreme weather situations.
Find Cooling Centers
Most cooling centers are operated by state, county, or municipal governments. To find the one nearest you, call 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to TXT211 (898211), or visit the 2-1-1 website and enter your ZIP code. Cooling center locations are also often broadcast on local television and radio news.
The Takeaway
By applying these strategies, you can keep yourself comfortable during hot days without relying on air conditioning and adapt to challenging situations with ease.
How To Stay Cool: Maximize Your Air Conditioner’s Performance
Experts offer tips on how to maximize your air conditioner’s performance.
READ: How To Stay Cool: Maximize Your Air Conditioner’s Performance
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