How to Stay Cool at Home in the Summer Without Air Conditioning

Member

By Barbara Raskauskas
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(4 Ratings)

Window Fan

Before there was air conditioning for homes, homeowners found ways to keep cool to endure the heat of summer. Even today, many people do not have the luxury of air conditioning so they have to find ways to stay cool at home in the summer. Pull on some of these tips to stay cool without air conditioning.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

In a room with windows on more than one wall, in the evening, place a fan in one window facing the fan out and on another wall, place the fan in the window facing in. This will draw the cooler outside air through the room.
Step 2

The first thing each morning, close the windows and close the curtain/blinds to help retain the cooler air while blocking out the sun and heat from the sun hitting the window. In a two story house, heat will rise to the second floor. You could place fans facing out in some second story windows to pull heat out, but close the blinds or curtains over the part of the window above the fan.
Step 3

Dampen a wash cloth with tap water and place it in the refrigerator, or better yet, place it in the freezer. After it becomes cold, apply that chilled cloth to the back of your neck or on your knees or ankles. If you started with a frozen cloth, as it thaws, wipe it on your face, arms, and/or legs. You can place several wet clothes in the refrigerator or freezer for a supply of cold compresses.
Step 4

Fill a plastic bottle (with cap) with iced water or plastic bag (an empty bread bag will do) with ice. These icy containers can be applied to your body or placed on a chair or bed to cool the surface before you sit/lie down.
Step 5

Use a new plastic spray body filled with cool water to sprits your face, arms, or legs. By allowing the water to evaporate, it will help cool your body.
Step 6

Table Fan

The breeze produced by a small fan on a table by your chair can be enhanced if you place a shallow bowl of ice in front of the fan. As the fan blows over the ice, it will push cool air your way.
Step 7

Placing your feet in a few inches of water can help cool you. You can use a large cooking pot or square/oval shaped bucket to hold the water. Along the same line, a cool bath or shower could help you feel better.

Comments

LilacGirl said

Flag This Comment

on 7/28/2009 It's 106 here today and I don't have air conditioning so I need these tips, and will be applying them. I'm gtoing to put a wet washrag or two in the freezer right now, that's such a good idea.