10 Best Ways and Tips for Cooling a Room Without AC

Summers are getting hotter, and extreme heat-related incidents due to warmer air are becoming more common, notably in the Philippines, where houses lack air conditioner at a higher rate than in other areas of the world.

So, what can you do when the temperature rises? Fans are an effective tool, especially if you don't have air conditioner or if it's set to a higher degree. Fans are typically less expensive to purchase and install than air conditioning equipment. Furthermore, because they require less energy, they are better for the environment.

Based on the Department of Energy (DOE)'s research, air conditioning raises households' electric bills. Fans use significantly less energy and are far less expensive.

However, is turning on your fans during the scorching summer heat would be enough to cool down a room? Bet the answer will be no! When summer temperatures are this hot, staying cool and maintaining a room cool can be difficult, and it can feel practically impossible if air conditioning is not available. Extreme heat can cause major health problems, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion, therefore staying cool becomes crucial.

Hence, if you need to cool off your house (or yourself), apart preparing your home from summer, try these cooling strategies to ensure you circulate cooler air.

Ways to Keep Your House From Getting Hot and Maintain Cool Air

When it comes to keeping your house cool, the age-old proverb "prevention is better than cure" is certainly relevant. These tactics can assist you in keeping cooler air in your home without relying on an air conditioning unit, or lowering the amount of energy needed to cool it if you already have one.

1. Use Curtains or Drapes and Close Them

To minimize the amount of warm air and heat in your home, it is recommended that you close your drapes or blinds. International studies report that standard windows allow more than 75% of the sunlight to enter as heat, and covering them can help reduce this. Medium-colored drapes with plastic backing can decrease heat by 33%, while insulated cellular shades can reduce unwanted solar heat by up to 60%.

2. Maximize the Benefits of Fans

To stay cool, fans are an excellent option, but you'll need to think outside the box to get the best results. To create a cooling cross-breeze, place a fan opposite an open window. If you're using a window box fan, set it to blow inside your room during the coolest times of the day and outward during the hottest hours. Placing a bowl of ice (this can be considered as a diy air conditioner) at an angle in front of the fan can also produce an extra cold blast of air. If feasible, set your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise to draw hot air up and out.

3. Switch on the Exhaust Fans

To reduce heat and moisture in your home, bathroom fans and kitchen exhaust fans are useful. During the summer, use these fans more frequently (not just after a hot shower or a long day of cooking) to cool your home. During the day, turn them on to extract hot air from your home.

4. Choose Your Lights Wisely (and Switch Lights Off)

Incandescent bulbs are not energy-efficient, as only 10% of their power is used for lighting, and the remaining 90% is emitted as heat. Switching to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs can help cool your home and reduce your energy expenses. Furthermore, turn off any lamps or overhead lighting when not in use or when the room is empty.

5. Avoid the Use of Appliances that Generate Heat

Give your oven a break and try changing up your cooking routine. Opt for outdoor grilling or prepare meals that don't require heating. Cold salads, vegetables, and fruit-based dishes are excellent options. Additionally, limit your use of small appliances that produce heat, such as toasters, microwaves, and even dryers. Drying your clothes in the sun using a clothesline can help keep the heat outside.

6. Keep Windows Open Overnight; Use Natural Ventilation

When the sun goes down, unlocked and open your windows to take advantage of the cool night breeze. Use screens to prevent mosquitos and flies from entering but allow the fresh air to cool your home during the night. However, remember to close your windows and curtains before daybreak.

7. Make Your Bed Heat-Resistant

Beds have the tendency to retain heat, particularly when the body heat is released into the mattress and pillows while sleeping. Maintaining a cool head is important for comfort. To help remove body heat and moisture, use a cooling pillow, mattress, sheets, or mattress pad. Alternatively, try a natural buckwheat pillow, as buckwheat hulls contain naturally-occurring air pockets, which do not trap body heat like regular pillows. Cotton or linen sheets can also keep you cool during the summer season, as cotton provides heat-regulating features that quickly absorb moisture and improve comfort.

 Another method is to sleep on slightly damp sheets. The evaporation can provide a cooling effect. To achieve maximum cooling benefits, use a fan. Although it may seem unusual, you can also put your bedding in the freezer before bedtime.

8. Go Low and Sleep Low

Since heat rises, the coolest air is closest to the ground. If feasible, try sleeping on the first floor of your home or on a couch in the basement rather than on the second floor. Another option is to place your mattress on the floor to benefit from the colder air.

9. Concentrate on Your Body Temperature

Aside from cooling down the room, it's essential to concentrate on your body temperature. There are numerous methods to lower your body temperature during the hot summer season. Apply cold compresses or ice packs to pulse points like your wrists and neck. Stay hydrated by drinking iced water and non-alcoholic beverages. Choose smart clothing options by selecting loose, breathable cotton fabrics and light colors that don't absorb heat.

10. Use a Dehumidifier

Humid conditions can make hot weather even more unpleasant for both humans and animals. You can alleviate this discomfort by using a dehumidifier to eradicate moisture from the air in your home, which can help make the higher temperatures more bearable. It is advisable to maintain indoor humidity levels below 60 percent. For energy savings, consider a dehumidifier that automatically shuts off when it reaches the desired humidity level. You can also repurpose the water collected by the dehumidifier for watering your plants.

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 Experience the comfort and serenity of a cool home all year round. Contact Lumina accredited sellers to inquire about our real estate development projects and affordable house and lot for sale in your area.