It's sweltering hot and you need to stay cool. Either air conditioner is on the blink, or you simply don't have one.
Getting it repaired or buying an AC unit or fan is one thing, but all of these things take time. What are you going to do to stay cool right now? Help is at hand---we've collected the best tips on how to cool down a room without air conditioner unit.
How to Make a Room Cooler Without an AC Unit
There might be many reasons why the room doesn't have an AC unit. Perhaps you made an air conditioner blunder and the device stopped working. But right now, you need to cool down. Without an air conditioner, you're left with tried and tested means to cool down and stay that way.
You can cool down a room without an AC unit by:
- Switching off entertainment systems and computers
- Knowing the best time to open windows
- Using light, cotton bedding
- Activating extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom
- Using energy efficient lightbulbs
- Cooking at strategic times
- Keeping yourself cool
Let's unpack these ideas and learn how to stay cool, day or night.
Switch Off the TV, Games Console, and PC
The first thing you should do is switch off anything that generates heat.
Your TV is a of heat, as is your PC. Even your laptop is likely to generate more heat that you want on a hot day. As for your games console… yeah, turn that off too.
The fans in those devices will already be working overtime, pushing hot air from inside the devices into your room. They need cooling as much as you do---in some cases, more. Switching them off will prevent system faults caused by overheating.
You'll probably notice a difference within 10 minutes of shutting down your laptop or PC. Switching off a TV might take a bit longer to make an impact. Games consoles run with quite a bit of heat output, meanwhile, so the impact of switching off your Xbox or PlayStation could be almost immediate.
That doesn't mean you should stop reading, however. Open this page on your phone and read on for more tips on how to cool down without an air conditioner.
Know When to Open Windows
Obviously, you know how to open a window. But do you know when to open the window to make a room cooler?
In hot weather, the rule is simple. When it's cool early in the day (usually around sunrise), open doors and windows to let your house cool down. Later in the day when things get hotter, close curtains and shut outer doors to trap the cooler air inside.
If you have a fan, switch this on to aid the airflow. This should be a larger static or oscillating fan, however, rather than a battery powered handheld fan.
Stay Cool at Night: Use Cotton Bedding
Hot nights are unbearable. How can you keep your bedroom cool when the lights go out, everything is switched off, but you're still sweating?
You already know when to open windows. You should already use a mosquito net for your windows and bed to avoid insect bites on hot nights. Mosquito nets allow airflow, preventing you from getting too hot, as does cotton bedding.
Thin cotton sheets are perfect for hot weather. They keep you covered, provide enough warmth to counter a cool breeze, and let you regulate your temperature.
When the heatwave strikes, put lightweight cotton sheets on your bed.
Install Energy Efficient Smart Bulbs
Old style lightbulbs would keep many rooms warm. The incandescent quality meant that heat was radiated as well as light. In hot weather, this is counterproductive.
Fortunately, these bulbs are mostly no longer used. While incandescent bulbs appear to be making a comeback, energy efficient bulbs that radiate far less heat are a smarter option. And if you have app controlled smart bulbs then you can easily switch then on or off using a phone.
Not using smart bulbs? Here's how to find the best smart bulbs for you.
Switch on Extractor Fans in Kitchen and Bathroom
We've explained that certain appliances should be switched off. However, there are things you can switch on to help cool your home---namely, extractor fans.
Many bathrooms and kitchens feature extractor fans for air circulation purposes. Switching these on can help considerably. Better still, if there is a line of sight between the two rooms, using one for air in and the other to pull the air out, can improve airflow. This will contribute to improved airflow.
A standing fan can also help here. Oscillating fans are particularly useful for controlling airflow.
Use Strategic Cooking for Meals
It's tempting to stand in front of an open fridge door in hot weather. But what happens when you get hungry?
One option is to simply eat cool food. Salads, cold meats or equivalents, yoghurts---anything to keep you cool. Cooking is certainly not a good idea.
If you must cook, opt for cooler times (perhaps early morning and late evening), and minimize what is cooked. So, if you're making pasta with a sauce, microwave the sauce to cook it through. Similarly, boil a kettle for water rather than having a stove radiating heat to get the water to temperature. Then add the water to the pan with the pasta and cook as normal.
Cooking can impact the air quality in your home. Once the heatwave has passed, think about buying an air quality monitor to help manage this.
How to Cool Yourself Down
Finding ways to keep yourself cool is also a great solution when you need to cool yourself down without an AC unit.
Why? Well, perhaps you are the reason the room is hot. After all, your body temperature is around 36 degrees Celsius. A lot of heat is lost from your head, arms, and hands to maintain that level.
So, what can you do about it?
Start by taking a cold shower. Not only will this cool you down, it will make you feel better. Dress in light cotton or linen clothing to improve airflow around your person.
Drinking a cool drink from the fridge can also help. Plunging your feet into a bucket or tray of iced water is also a good idea.
Meanwhile, moving generates heat. We're told to stay active when it's cold in order to warm up. So, find a cool spot to enjoy your cold drink. And stay entertained by reading a book.
Stay Cool Day and Night Without AC
Using these tips you should be able to guarantee a cooler environment and hopefully even a better night's sleep.
Most of these tips should help you reduce the temperature enough to be comfortable. Still having trouble and have a decent sized fan? Here's how to make a DIY homemade air conditioner using ice and a fan.