How to Survive in an Apartment During Heatwave: 6 Tips

Trying to find shelter at home from the heat, we've gathered recommendations that actually work. We also explain why some tips from the Internet seem questionable to us: scroll to the end.

Don't Open Windows

It might seem like opening windows will make your home cooler. But in reality, you're just letting hot air into the room. It's more effective to close the windows and turn on the air conditioner. To prevent sunlight from entering your apartment, close the window with curtains or blinds.

Ventilating the room is best in early morning or late evening when the air outside isn't so hot.

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If You Don't Have an Air Conditioner

Use a fan: place a container with ice in front of it. The airflow will be cooled by the melting ice. The only downside is that you'll have to replace the melting ice periodically.

This is also a great way to humidify the air in your apartment. If you have a humidifier, use it more often — that helps too. Same goes for daily wet cleaning of your apartment.

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Turn Off the Towel Warmer

If possible, shut off the hot water supply to the towel warmer — it makes the bathroom cooler. This can be done if you have a separate valve. If not, plan for one during renovation — it's convenient.

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Change the Textile

If you have carpets at home, it's better to remove them and send them for cleaning: they heat up significantly and collect dust.

Replace your bedding with linen or cotton sets: sleeping on them is less hot, and they let air circulate better. Silk is also ideal in hot weather, but it's expensive.

Replace Incandescent Bulbs with LED

Incandescent bulbs heat up so much that you can get burned if you touch them. LED bulbs don't emit as much heat. With them, your home will feel much cooler in the evening.

Use Less Electronics

Naturally, it's impossible to stop using electronics entirely. But you can, for example, avoid leaving the TV and computer on all day long, and instead heat food in a microwave rather than on the stove.

What Do Internet Tips Say?

• Apply Window Tinting or Foil. This idea is interesting, but questionable: in cloudy weather and autumn, you'll probably want to remove it all. Also, protective film often doesn't come off easily and can damage the glass.
• Hang Wet Towels Around the House. It might slightly cool down your apartment, but it looks odd and unattractive. A better option is to use a good humidifier.
• Fill the Bathtub with Cold Water. Of course, this won't cool down the whole apartment, and how much water will you use every day? Keep in mind that a full bathtub needs about 160–200 liters of water.