
While we breeze through August (with very little breeze to speak of) we're still being bombarded with higher than average temps.
Sticky, humid days and hot, sleepless summer nights...
For those with air conditioning, this may not be such a big deal. You crank it up and relax and in the cool. However, if you're living without A/C, it's a whole different ballgame.
And even if you do have A/C, chances are it's running 'round the clock. Oh that electricity bill...
So, what's the solution? Move to Alaska? Not likely. So, to help you cope with the heat, we've got some tips on how to keep your house cool, no A/C required.
How to Keep Your House Cool Without A/C
Whether you want to stop sulking about the heat as you hide in the corner, or just want to reduce your energy bills, these tips on how to keep your house cool will help.
Close/Open the Windows. During the day, stop heat from entering your home by keeping the windows closed. However, at night, especially if it cools down significantly, make sure to open them up. This will allow the hot air to escape and cooler air to come in. And speaking of windows...
Close those blinds. This sounds simple, but sometimes we forget. If your windows are open to the sun, that sun's going to heat up your house. Simply closing the blinds helps block out the heat. Don't have blinds or curtains to close? On hot days, a sheet makes a great make-shift window covering.
Get a Dehumidifier. Humidity in your house makes it feel warmer. That hot, uncomfortable, sticky feeling drains your energy and leaves many of us cranky. A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, and can make your house cooler and far more comfortable.
Check that Ceiling Fan. Ceiling fans have two settings: clockwise and counter-clockwise. In the summer, make sure yours is spinning counter-clockwise at a high speed in order to provide a breeze. The clockwise setting is for the winter and should be used with a slower speed to help move around heat.
Put Exhaust Fans to Work. The point of an exhaust fan is to suck out hot, humid air, so it's actually an easy way to cool down a room. The one over the oven and the one in the bathroom can both be used for this purpose, so turn them on!
Create a Cross-breeze. When it gets hot, most of us turn on the fans forgetting that they don’t necessarily cool your home since they essentially push hot air around. But, if you create a cross-breeze using two fans, this could make you feel more comfortable in warmer temps. To do it, set up two flows of air - one to blow cool air and one to pull away hot air.
Create Your Own Cooling Mist. While this hack may not cool your whole house, it'll give you a decent break if you're trying to cool down. With a bowl of ice and a fan, you can create a faux ocean breeze. Simply fill a mixing bowl with ice or an ice pack, and put the bowl in front of a fan. Turn the fan on, and the air will mimic a chilly, misty breeze.
Bake and Dry at Night (or Not at All). Not technically a tip to cool the house, but definitely one on how to keep the house cool. Big appliances like the oven (shocker!) and the dryer generate a ton of heat. While it might be tempting to be productive while you're stuck in the house, don't. Turning on these appliances during a heat wave will just heat up your home. Leave the laundry for a day when it's coolemake a no-bake meal or use something smaller, like the crockpot or air fryer.
Stay cool friends!
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