How to Cool Down Without AC

Not everyone has air conditioning in their home or apartment, and while some people might find that crazy, there are plenty of good reasons why people don’t have AC or don’t want to use it. Keep reading if you want to learn how to stay cool without AC.

How to Live Without AC

Hot summer days and nights can be miserable without AC, and even worse, overheating can be dangerous. Heat-related health risks include dehydration, fainting, heat stroke, and, in the worst cases, death. If you’re living with no AC, here are some things you can do to stay cool.

Cool down with water

Take a cool shower or bath, and drink a lot of fluids. You can dunk your head in water to lower your body temperature or place a bowl of cold water near a fan. Many people use misters or spray bottles with small fans attached to them.

Use ice

Ice works wonders for keeping your body cool, and you can use it in several ways. Freeze a jug of water and place it in front of a fan and point it straight at yourself. You can also create a makeshift swamp cooler with a dish of ice cubes and a fan. 

Dress for a heat wave

Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing will help you feel more comfortable. When you’re hanging out around the house during a heat wave, wear breezy clothes that dry quickly so you can get them wet to cool off even more.

How to Cool Down a Room Without AC

Surviving 100-degree weather can be hard to do without AC, but there are some things you can do to keep cool and make it more bearable. Discover natural ways to cool down a room and tips on how to sleep without air conditioning.

Natural Ways to Cool Down a Room

Whether you’re trying to reduce your energy consumption or you simply don’t have an air conditioner, you might be looking for natural ways to cool down a room.  Even if you have AC, there are things you can do to keep a building cool that will lower your energy costs.

Let cool air in

Cooling your house at night is one of the best ways to save on energy costs and make your house more comfortable during a heat wave. Open your doors and windows at night and close them in the morning after the temperature outside gets higher than it is inside. If you don’t have screen doors, you can find magnetic screen doors for less than $20 on Amazon.

Keep the heat out

You obviously want to keep heat out, but there are some tips and tricks to make it easier. Heat transfer occurs in a few different ways, and you need to address all of them as best you can.

• Conduction- this is the type of heat that travels through a solid object, such as heat traveling through a roof or wall. Insulation is the best way to combat this type of heat. 

• Radiation- this is the type of heat that comes through your windows in the form of light. You can use window tinting or outdoor shades to prevent the light from radiating heat into your home.

• Convection- this is the type of heat that is carried by the movement of air. The best way to prevent this type of heating is to seal air leaks.

You should also avoid cooking appliances or dryers that release extra heat into your home. Try using a smaller appliance like an air fryer oven or microwave to keep your house cool.

How to Sleep in a Room Without AC

Trying to sleep during hot weather can be even worse than dealing with it during the day. Here are some ways you can survive hot summer nights without AC.

• Open your windows once the temperature outside is cooler than inside your home

• Wear light pajamas

• Sleep downstairs or in the basement, if possible

• Sleep outdoors on a patio or set up a camping hammock

• Put your mattress on the floor 

• Choose breathable blankets, sheets, and pillows made of materials like rayon or light cotton

What Can I Use if I Have No Air Conditioner and No Windows?

If you don’t have an AC or a window, it can be even tougher to stay cool in the summer. Your best option, in this case, will be to use a window fan to keep the air moving. Use ice or water and set up a mister if necessary to lower the temperature as much as possible.

If the temperature in your home starts to reach dangerous levels, consider purchasing a ventless portable air conditioner. They are inexpensive, and they could save your life.

The Impact of Air Conditioners on the Environment

Many Americans consider air conditioning a necessity, and it can literally be a lifesaver. Almost 90% of homes in the United States have AC, but there are countries all over the world that don’t use it much at all. In the United Kingdom, for example, only 3% of homes have air conditioning.

Reducing your carbon footprint means cutting back on energy consumption wherever possible, and one of the easiest ways to do that is to turn off the AC. The cost to use your AC depends on where you live, but it can easily be $150 to $200 per month in many areas, so reducing your AC costs will save you a lot of money. 

If you own your home, there are many ways to lower heating and cooling costs, such as adding insulation, planting trees, getting new appliances,  and installing new windows. Conduct an online energy audit to see where you can save even more.

Cool Off With Energy Efficient ACs

Purchasing an energy-efficient air conditioner is a great way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. Look for air conditioners with a high energy efficiency rating (EER). The EER is a ratio that measures the cooling capacity in relation to the energy that it uses. The higher the rating, the lower the cost. 

You should also ensure your AC is properly sized for the size of your home because a unit that is too big will not cool your home as efficiently. Finally, consider investing in a programmable thermostat, which you can set to turn the AC off when no one is home or while you’re sleeping.