How to Survive in an Apartment During Heatwave: 6 Tips

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

Don't Open Windows

It may seem like opening windows makes the house 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 windows with curtains or blinds.

Ventilating the room is best early in the morning and late in the evening, when the outside air is not so hot.

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What if You Don't Have an Air Conditioner?

Use a fan: place a container of ice in front of it. The airflow will be cooled by the melting ice. The only downside is that you 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 — this also helps. As well as daily wet cleaning of your apartment.

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Turn Off the Towel Heater

If possible, shut off the hot water supply to the towel heater — it will make the bathroom cooler. This can be done if you have a separate valve. If you don't have one, plan to install it during renovation: it's convenient.

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Change Your Textiles

If you have carpets at home, it's better to remove them and send them for cleaning: they get very hot and collect dust.

Replace your bed linen with linen or cotton: it's not as hot to sleep on and allows better airflow. Silk is also ideal in hot weather, but it has a downside — it's quite expensive.

Replace Incandescent Bulbs with LEDs

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 be much cooler in the evening.

Use Less Electronics

Naturally, you can't completely stop using electronics. But for example, don't leave the TV and computer on all day, and instead reheat food in the microwave rather than on the stove.

What Do Internet Sources Recommend?

• Apply Window Tinting or Foil. This tip is interesting but questionable: on cloudy days and in autumn, you'll likely want to revert everything back. Also, protective film often doesn't remove cleanly and can damage the glass.
  
• Hang Wet Towels Around the House. This might slightly cool down your apartment, but it looks strange and unattractive. It's better to use a good humidifier.
• Fill the Tub 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 tub needs about 160–200 liters of water.