How to Keep Your Home Cool Without Air Conditioning

How to Keep Your Home Cool Without Air Conditioning

It’s that time of year: You’ve put your sweaters in a box under the bed, the window air conditioning units are reappearing around the neighbourhood, and you’ve noticed the garbage has started smelling terrible. Yes, it’s almost summer, which means we’ll be soon be cranking up our cooling systems, resulting in higher electric bills and energy usage all around. Instead, try these tips to keep yourself and your home cool without resorting to air conditioning.

It may seem intuitive, but on hot days, definitely keep your blinds or curtains closed. If you don’t have any yet, this is also a great time to invest in some blackout shades, which will help you sleep easier and keep more of the heat out. For a DIY air conditioning substitute, try placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan, which will blow the cold air around. You can also improve air circulation by turning on your bathroom fans, too — they not only filter out bad smells, but will also help move out that hot air.

Since hot air rises, move your mattress to the floor; it will be cooler there than up on your bed frame. Switch to using cotton sheets, which wick away heat and moisture while you sleep. And it probably goes without saying, but put your winter comforter in storage, too.

For even more tips, check out the video above.


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