Summer heat waves can be brutal, especially if you don’t have air conditioning to fall back on or are trying to use it less.
Staying cool without cranking up the AC is possible with a little strategy and some household items you probably already have.
These tried-and-true tips come from people who’ve been in the same sweltering situation, offering practical, low-cost ways to keep both you and your pets comfortable during the hottest days (and nights) of the year.
Master the Art of Airflow
Timing your windows right can make a huge difference. Once it gets cooler outside than inside, typically in the evening around 8 to 9 p.m., open windows on both sides of the house and keep interior doors open so air can move freely through every room.
Then, once the outside temperature climbs back above the indoor temperature in the morning (usually around 9 to 10 a.m.), close the windows and curtains to trap the cooler air inside.
For an extra boost, place a box fan in a window on the hottest side of the house, facing outward. This pulls cooler air in through your other windows and pushes hot air out.
Reposition Your Window Screens and Fans
Heat rises, so it tends to collect near the ceiling first.
Try moving your window screens and fans to the top of the windows instead of the bottom.
Once the sun goes down, this setup helps pull that trapped heat from the upper few feet of each room and push it outside.
Build a DIY “Fan Tunnel”
For a simple, low-cost cooling hack, clip a sheet around a box fan and tuck the other end around yourself while you sleep.
It creates a kind of personal wind tunnel that channels air directly toward you.
Move Heat-Generating Appliances Outside
If you have a balcony, garage, or deck, move heat-producing appliances like a slow cooker outdoors while they’re in use.
This keeps that extra heat from building up inside your home.
Block Out the Sun
Covering your windows so sunlight can’t get in is one of the simplest ways to keep a room cooler.
Black out every window in the house, not just the bedroom, to keep indoor temperatures down throughout the day.
Cooling Tricks for Your Body
A few simple, inexpensive tools can help your body regulate temperature during extreme heat:
- Keep a spray bottle of water by the bed. Mist yourself when you wake up feeling hot. It works especially well paired with a fan. A damp washcloth and a bowl of water can serve the same purpose if a spray bottle isn’t available.
- Freeze water bottles for a reverse hot water bottle. Keep an ice chest near the bed and swap in frozen 2-liter bottles as needed. Wrap them in a towel first to avoid frostbite.
- Wrap an ice-filled bandana around your neck for quick, direct cooling.
- Place ice packs between your thighs and under your arms. This first-aid trick targets major blood vessels near the skin’s surface, helping cool your blood more directly. For a reusable version, tie two to three cups of rice in a sock and freeze it.
- Wear a damp T-shirt to bed. Wet a t-shirt thoroughly in cool (not cold) water, wring it out, and wear it while you sleep. This method, sometimes called the Egyptian method, can be repeated throughout the night as needed.
Stay Hydrated and Know the Warning Signs
Along with cooling your environment, staying hydrated is essential.
Be aware of the signs of heat illness in yourself, and have a plan in place in case symptoms appear, whether that means having someone you can call for help or knowing to get into a cool bath right away.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
Dogs are just as vulnerable to heat as people, so keeping them cool matters too:
- Make frozen “popsicles” by freezing tub water with vegetables inside for a refreshing treat.
- Offer a frozen Kong or similar icy treat to help keep them occupied and cool.
- Apply icy cold towels to your dog’s belly during especially hot stretches.
- Always keep fresh, clean water available.
- Familiarize yourself with the warning signs of heat illness in dogs so you can catch problems early.
With a mix of smart airflow strategies, a few DIY cooling tricks, and close attention to how you and your pets feel, it’s entirely possible to stay comfortable during a heat wave, even without air conditioning.
