13 Ways to Cool Down Your Home in Summer Without Air Conditioning

In Moscow, St. Petersburg, and many other Russian cities, abnormal heat has set in this summer — temperatures are breaking records. Since June 19th, Moscow and St. Petersburg have been experiencing abnormal heat: temperatures reach up to +35°C. On June 20th, the Moscow region set an 'orange' level of weather danger — this means there is a risk of natural disasters and damage.

If brick houses heat up slowly, panel buildings become unbearable in the heat instantly. Especially uncomfortable are owners of small apartments: low ceilings and few windows worsen the situation. If it so happens that you don't have an air conditioner and your home risks becoming a victim of summer heat, it's time to learn how to handle nature's whims on your own. We're telling you how to do it quickly and without spending money.

1. Sun Protection Effect

To reduce the heat from sunlight, hang windows with light-blocking fabric, such as blackout curtains, or use blinds. In a pinch, use any dense, opaque fabric — it will take the full impact.

Another simple way to protect yourself from active sunlight is to apply reflective (thermal protective) film on the glass. It reflects infrared rays and reduces the flow of solar heat, unlike foil, which does not affect room illumination.

2. Walking Barefoot on the Floor

The dense, warm items in a room heat up fastest, such as carpets, blankets, fuzzy fabrics, and thick curtains. Moreover, dust and fine dirt settle on the carpet in greater amounts during summer than any other season. It's better to store them away in the attic beforehand — they can easily be found in case of unexpected cooling.

3. Technical Boycott

Home appliances we usually use — computers, irons, TVs — emit heat while operating. Minimize their usage or at least stop using them a few hours before bedtime so they can cool down.

Also, to avoid raising the indoor temperature on the kitchen and in the apartment overall, try to cook less on the stove or in the oven. If it's necessary to reheat food, it's better to use a microwave oven.

4. Water Procedures

No sun, but the heat is still unbearable? Hang open windows with wet fabric or regularly mist mosquito netting with cold water using a spray bottle — this way you can slightly cut off the stuffy air from outside and make the breeze cooler.

5. Air Conditioner Alternative

If it's a bit cooler outside, but the apartment is still stuffy — turn on the fan! Just set it so that its blades face an open window, pulling all heated air outdoors.

6. In the Realm of Ice

When the ceiling and floor start emitting heat on their own, it's time to begin comprehensive room cooling. Scatter ice cubes in glasses, bottles, and bowls and arrange them around the perimeter of the room — you'll immediately feel more comfortable.

7. City Breeze

It’s already a bit cooler, but you still want some breeze? A bottle of ice in front of the fan blades works great for this task. A moist cloth on the protective grille creates a gentler breeze. The key is not to direct the airflow toward yourself to avoid catching a cold.

8. Daily Ritual

A humidifier will create an atmosphere like a Turkish hammam; focus on frequent wet cleaning. It helps slightly cool the room and prevents dry air, which usually accompanies heat.

9. Sleeping on the Floor

Since cold air collects at the bottom and hot air rises — at night it's better to move closer to the floor. How this happens — with a new mattress or a set of soft pillows — is up to you.

10. Windows at Night

In hot weather, night is the coolest time of day. Even a small temperature difference will allow the space to release excess heat, slightly cooling the room. So if the sun has set behind the horizon and the sky is starting to darken — you can confidently open the windows.

11. Doors at Night

If you want to keep the living room cool during the day — don't forget to close the door to the room in the morning. But at night, the principle works in reverse: to refresh the apartment, leave all doors open — except the front door, of course.

12. Replace Light Bulbs

If you haven't replaced regular bulbs with energy-saving ones yet, now is the time. Incandescent bulbs release up to 90% of the heat they generate while operating. By replacing them, you not only lower the temperature in your apartment but also save money on bills.

13. Humidify the Air

If the air humidifier you were gifted is still unopened, it's time to let it out and have it work. You can also use an air purifier: it collects microbes and cleans the air of dust. If you don't have any of these, place vases with water or ice around the apartment.

Cover Design: Victoria Smirnova