How to Cool Down Without Air Conditioning

We collaborated with experts from Upside Down to compile six quality tips on how to stay cool without air conditioning.

Use Blinds to Avoid Sunlight

In the hottest months, about 75% of sunlight hitting a regular window turns into heat. If you put your hand on a window in summer, you'll immediately feel how much heat is in the glass.

However, using blinds, tents, or curtains provides additional protection from heat. Light will be reflected and there won't even be a chance to touch the glass and transfer heat into your home.

To maximize coolness, close blinds or curtains early in the morning. It's best to keep heat out of the room in the morning so your home stays cool during peak heat hours. If you want to enjoy natural light, open blinds on the shaded side of your building.

You can also use plants as natural protection from sunlight and heat, or mirror window film. These films are easy to buy at hardware stores and apply yourself.

Use Ceiling and Portable Fans

While central cooling itself can be expensive, ceiling and portable fans offer a much more economical solution. Ceiling fans work effortlessly. They direct additional cool air downward, and with constant airflow, your home won't become stuffy or stagnant.

For some of us, cooling just means moving air. Small portable fans are also very convenient. Place them anywhere and you'll get a direct stream of cool air. If you put a bowl of ice or a chilled cloth in front of the fan, you can create a cheap air conditioner! The fan will blow this cooled air right at your face.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Cool Food

Water is key to cooling down. When you overheat, sweating helps lower body surface temperature. However, excessive sweating can lead to dehydration in high temperatures.

Therefore, regular water consumption will help you stay cool and alert. On a hot day, drink about eight 8-ounce cups of water. You might even need to drink a gallon or more if you are active.

Also, try to eat moisture-rich foods like watermelon or cucumber. Fresh produce will help you stay cool. Definitely avoid heavy meals, including red meat.

Place Cold Towels on Pulse Points

You can quickly cool your body by placing a cold towel on key pulse points. Simply place it on strong areas such as wrists, back of the neck, underarms, or knees, ankles and groin.

These are areas where blood vessels are closest to the skin surface, so a cold touch removes excess heat quickly. Even using a cooled spray can help maintain moisture on the skin – without losing water through sweating. Think of a cool shower with water does the same thing as sweating. You're just retaining water that would normally be lost through sweat. This is a positive point for hydration.

Turn Off Lights

When country singer Josh Turner said 'baby, close the door and dim the lights', he made a smart, sensible statement. Light bulbs really can create an amazing amount of heat. Old incandescent bulbs are especially problematic.

Stay cool by turning off lights or at least dimming them. This will reduce the amount of thermal energy inside your room. A quick and simple step to lower the room temperature. Of course, it won't make you ice-cold, but less warm air will be in the room.

Sleep with a Light Layer Under Your Blanket

Summer irritability is reality, and your poor sleep habits are probably to blame. Hot and sweaty nights in bed lead to restlessness, tossing and turning, and overall insomnia.

First, stop using winter sheets and heavy blankets. Cotton is the best material for summer, offering extra breathability. You'll sweat less under a blanket. If you haven't yet removed additional winter blankets and thick quilts, replace them now! Give yourself some breathing room.

Similarly, cotton pajamas are better for summer than silk or flannel. A light pair of shorts and a shirt ensures a relaxed night's sleep.