How to Keep Your Home Cool Without an AC Unit

Summer is a season anticipated by many, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy quality time outdoors. However, a recent study shows that temperatures across many US States, including Chicago, can hit dangerous levels during the summer. It is natural for many to turn to air conditioners for solace from the heat. Unfortunately, using or leaving your AC on for a few hours can drain your pocket. Can you keep your home cool without turning on your air conditioner? Whether you live in an old property or a home without an air conditioner, you can try these brilliant tips to keep your home cool. 

1. Switch your sheets

Swapping your sheets not only freshens up your bedroom; it can also be a terrific way to keep the space cooler. Textiles such as fleece blankets and flannel sheets are ideal for insulation. Cotton sheets are also best during the summer heat as they allow you to breathe more easily and remain cooler. Meanwhile, you may consider pillows with an airspace between them since they won’t keep body heat like traditional pillows, even when covered with a pillowcase. 

2. Try a DIY air-conditioner

What if you could use your fan to create your own AC? This straightforward approach is terrific if you’re a DIY enthusiast. All you need is some ice cubes, a bowl or pan of ice, and a working fan. Position the bowl containing ice in the direction of the fan. While the ice melts, your fan will blow around the cold water particles and recreate a cool mist in space. Can you think of a more genius way to enjoy cool air without turning on your AC?  

3. Let in the night air

Even if you stay in an area with skyrocketing heating numbers during the summer, chances are that the temperature will drop during the night. Allowing the cool outdoor air to enter your home can keep your home cooler while preventing it from feeling stuffy. You may keep your windows open overnight to allow for cooler air. However, remember to shut your windows in the morning before the heat rises again. Ensure to implement the right security measures to prevent a break-in if you use this approach. 

4. Commit to long-term home improvements

Energy costs are constantly rising, and it is normal if you want to commit to a no-AC policy in the home. However, this may require making some adjustments in the home to keep it cooler for many seasons. For instance, you could invest in excellent insulated window films that function like blinds. Or, if you have old windows, then you can improve home comfort with energy efficient windows throughout your house, so you know that you will be set for any weather that comes along. Additionally, some plants and vines can shield your home from direct sunlight when planted near your windows facing the sunlight. These plants absorb the heat and reduce the amount entering your home, making it a worthwhile investment. 

5. Reduce stove or oven usage

Consider suspending your Sunday roast during extremely hot weather. A 400-degree oven can turn up the heat in your home. Burners also do no favors when you are trying to keep the heat down. The situation could be worse if your appliances are outdated. For this reason, you have to be tactical with the appliances you use. If possible, stick to seasonal recipes that do not require heat. But if you have to use your oven, hold your fire until the air outside has cooled down at night and open a few of your windows. 

6. Close your blinds

Keeping your home cool can be as simple as closing your blinds. This approach may seem basic, yet a significant amount of the undesired heat in your home comes from the windows. Closing your blinds and curtains can reduce your temperature indoors and benefit from energy savings. Consumer reports also suggest that neutral-colored drapes with white backings can reduce heat gain by over 30%. You can avoid turning your home into a small greenhouse by closing the blinds on your south and west-facing windows. Would you prefer window treatment to limit the sun’s rays? Speak to professionals such as WTX Windows Doors for window replacement options to keep your home cooler. 

7. Set your fan to spin counterclockwise

Many people install their ceiling fans and forget about it. But It may surprise you that ceiling fans are designed with two settings – they can rotate clockwise and anti-clockwise. And you can select either setting depending on the season. Setting your fan to spin counterclockwise forces air down, generating a refreshing breeze. That helps maintain a room’s temperature all day and lowers the need for a continuous cooling system. While setting your ceiling to turn counterclockwise at high speed to provide a cool breeze in the summer, you may do the same yet clockwise at a slower speed to move the heat around in the colder months. 

8. Enhance your attic ventilation

Poor ventilation can impair your home’s temperature and energy consumption regardless of how effectively you seal off your attic from the remainder of the house. On a hot day, your attic could experience temperatures of up to 160° Fahrenheit, depending on where you reside. If your attic retains heat, it has to be ventilated better. The properly ventilated attic will let air pass through the rafters and escape via the peak. You may save money by doing these improvements yourself. However, ensure you know what you are doing and are confident working on your roof. Otherwise, it would be best to hire an expert.

9. Change your light bulbs

Kitchen appliances can bring excessive heat during the warmer season. However, they are not the only culprits in the home. It may seem insignificant, but your light bulbs could be causing so much heat indoors. For instance, incandescent light bulbs generate heat while using a chunk of your energy. Experts advise switching to compact fluorescent lamps or LED lights to keep your home cool. Changing your light bulbs wouldn’t only benefit your cooling effort but decrease your energy bill. 

The above are a few things you can do to keep your home cooler during summer. You could also explore a few more ways if you are concerned about cooling costs and protecting your household from the heat.